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The grocery retailer has changed its ruling not to provide paid work to an neurodivergent person after previously stating he had to discontinue stacking shelves at the branch where he had donated his time for several years.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent asked whether her family member the individual could be offered a job at the retail establishment in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, competing supermarket the grocery chain stated it was interested in providing Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, the parent stated: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in Tom's best interests to resume working... and are having additional conversations with Waitrose."

'Looking into the matter'

A representative for the supermarket chain stated: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the support organization to do so."

"We anticipate to see him back with us in the near future."

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

"Therefore, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and develop his abilities."

"We have procedures in place to facilitate volunteering, and are investigating what's happened in Tom's situation."

Frances said she had been "profoundly affected" by how the public had reacted to her talking about her child's situation.

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

"He donated extensive time of his energy exclusively because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and create value," commented his parent.

Tom's mother praised and thanked employees at the local supermarket for supporting him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I feel he was just under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it became a headquarters matter."

The family have been endorsed by regional leader the public figure.

He posted on social media that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" handling and committed to "support him to secure alternative employment that functions".

The official said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage each company - such as Waitrose - to register to our newly established diversity program".

Speaking with Tom's mother, who shared information of the employment opportunity on local radio, the Labour mayor said: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we require a significant public information effort here."

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