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The grocery retailer has overturned its determination not to grant a paying position to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to stop working at the store where he had donated his time for several years.

In July, Tom's mother requested whether her adult child her son could be given a employment opportunity at the supermarket in Greater Manchester, but her application was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, rival chain the grocery chain announced it wanted to offer Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing the company's change of position, Tom's mother commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and choose whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A official for the retailer commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are working closely from his relatives and the non-profit to facilitate this."

"We hope to have him return with us very soon."

"We place great importance about helping people into the employment who might typically not be offered opportunities."

"Therefore, we warmly welcomed Tom and his support worker into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and build his confidence."

"We have procedures in place to facilitate community service, and are examining the circumstances in this instance."

Frances stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had reacted to her sharing her son's experiences.

Tom, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his commitment by supervisors.

"He gave over 600 hours of his time exclusively because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and have an impact," commented his parent.

The parent recognized and acknowledged team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, stating: "They included him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I feel he was just not sufficiently noticed - everything was working well until it reached corporate level."

Tom and his mum have been endorsed by regional leader Andy Burnham.

He posted on X that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" management and committed to "assist him to find another placement that functions".

Burnham said the regional organization "would encourage every business - such as Waitrose - to participate to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who shared information of the alternative position on local radio, the Labour mayor commented: "Good on you for bringing attention because we need a significant public information effort here."

She consented to his invitation to serve as a representative for the program.