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The grocery retailer has changed its ruling not to grant compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after originally indicating he had to stop volunteering at the store where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

In July, Tom's mother inquired whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be provided a employment opportunity at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was finally turned down by Waitrose head office.

On Thursday, rival chain the grocery chain said it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its local branch.

Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother stated: "We are going to think about it and determine whether it is in Tom's best interests to resume working... and are having further discussions with the company."

'Looking into the matter'

A representative for the retailer stated: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his relatives and the charity to do so."

"We hope to welcome him again with us very soon."

"We care deeply about supporting individuals into the job market who might usually not be provided employment."

"As such, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our local store to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have policies in place to facilitate volunteering, and are examining the situation in this instance."

The parent explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how individuals had answered to her sharing her son's experiences.

The young man, who has challenges with communication, was commended for his commitment by supervisors.

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his time exclusively because he desired community connection, make a difference, and have an impact," commented his mother.

Tom's mother commended and appreciated team members at the Manchester branch for assisting him, stating: "They included him and were absolutely brilliant."

"I think he was just flying under the radar - everything was working well until it reached corporate level."

Both individuals have been endorsed by Greater Manchester mayor the public figure.

He wrote on online platforms that Tom had received "deeply concerning" management and vowed to "support him to secure alternative employment that works".

The mayor said the local government body "would encourage all employers - such as Waitrose - to participate to our brand new inclusion initiative".

Discussing with the parent, who shared information of the employment opportunity on media outlets, the public figure stated: "Well done for highlighting the issue because we must have a significant public information effort here."

She agreed to his invitation to act as a spokesperson for the campaign.