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Waitrose has changed its decision not to grant compensated employment to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to stop working at the store where he had volunteered for several years.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent inquired whether her adult child the individual could be offered a job at the grocery store in the Manchester area, but her request was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, rival chain the grocery chain said it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing the company's change of position, Tom's mother commented: "We are going to consider the offer and decide whether it is in what's best for our son to resume working... and are having ongoing talks with the company."

'Looking into the matter'

A representative for the retailer stated: "We'd like to have Tom return, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the support organization to make this happen."

"We expect to see him back with us shortly."

"We care deeply about assisting individuals into the employment who might otherwise not be offered opportunities."

"Therefore, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our local store to build skills and build his confidence."

"We have procedures in place to support community service, and are investigating what's happened in this instance."

Frances said she had been "deeply moved" by how people had responded to her discussing her son's experiences.

The individual, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his dedication by managers.

"He donated extensive time of his effort exclusively because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and create value," stated his mum.

The parent recognized and acknowledged team members at the local supermarket for supporting him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

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

Both individuals have been supported by Greater Manchester mayor the mayor.

He posted on X that Tom had received "deeply concerning" treatment and vowed to "help him to identify different opportunities that functions".

The official declared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "actively promotes each company - like Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched diversity program".

Discussing with Frances, who shared information of the employment opportunity on BBC Radio Manchester, the public figure said: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we require a major education initiative here."

She agreed to his proposal to act as a spokesperson for the program.