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Waitrose has reversed its decision not to offer a paying position to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to cease stacking shelves at the store where he had donated his time for an extended period.

In July, Tom's mother inquired whether her adult child the individual could be provided a employment opportunity at the supermarket in Greater Manchester, but her application was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

This week, competing supermarket the grocery chain stated it was interested in providing Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Responding to the company's change of position, Tom's mother stated: "We are going to think about it and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to resume working... and are having additional conversations with Waitrose."

'We are investigating'

A representative for the retailer said: "We'd like to have Tom return, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his family and the charity to facilitate this."

"We expect to welcome him again with us shortly."

"We care deeply about helping people into the workplace who might otherwise not be offered opportunities."

"Therefore, we enthusiastically received Tom and his support worker into our Manchester location to learn the ropes and develop his abilities."

"We have guidelines in place to support volunteering, and are investigating what's happened in this instance."

Tom's mother explained she had been "overwhelmed" by how people had answered to her sharing her child's situation.

Tom, who has specific communication needs, was praised for his commitment by store leadership.

"He donated over 600 hours of his effort exclusively because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and create value," said his mother.

Frances praised and thanked team members at the Manchester branch for helping him, noting: "They included him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I think he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it went to head office."

The family have been supported by regional leader the mayor.

He stated on social media that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" treatment and promised to "support him to identify different opportunities that functions".

Burnham said the local government body "strongly urges all employers - including Waitrose - to register to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

Speaking with Frances, who broke the news of the employment opportunity on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor stated: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we require a major education initiative here."

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