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The supermarket has changed its ruling not to offer paid work to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to discontinue stacking shelves at the store where he had volunteered for an extended period.

During the summer, Frances Boyd inquired whether her family member Tom Boyd could be offered a position at the supermarket in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, alternative retailer Asda stated it wanted to offer Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to Waitrose's U-turn, the parent stated: "We are going to consider the offer and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to return... and are having further discussions with the supermarket."

'We are investigating'

A spokesman for Waitrose said: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his family and the charity to do so."

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

"We place great importance about assisting individuals into the workplace who might typically not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have guidelines in place to enable unpaid work, and are examining what's happened in this case."

The parent said she had been "deeply moved" by how the public had answered to her discussing her child's situation.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his commitment by supervisors.

"He donated extensive time of his energy purely because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and make a difference," said his mother.

The parent recognized and acknowledged employees at the Manchester branch for supporting him, adding: "They included him and were absolutely brilliant."

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

Tom and his mum have been backed by Greater Manchester mayor the public figure.

He posted on social media that Tom had received "truly terrible" management and promised to "support him to secure alternative employment that works".

Burnham stated the local government body "would encourage every business - such as Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched diversity program".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who shared information of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the elected official stated: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we need a major education initiative here."

She accepted his offer to act as a spokesperson for the initiative.