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Waitrose has overturned its ruling not to grant a paying position to an neurodivergent person after originally indicating he had to stop working at the location where he had worked unpaid for several years.

During the summer, Tom's mother requested whether her 28-year-old son her son could be provided a position at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her proposal was ultimately declined by Waitrose head office.

This week, alternative retailer Asda stated it was interested in providing Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother commented: "We are going to think about it and determine whether it is in Tom's best interests to go back... and are having further discussions with Waitrose."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A spokesman for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his relatives and the charity to facilitate this."

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

"We are committed about helping workers into the employment who might typically not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and build his confidence."

"We have guidelines in place to facilitate community service, and are reviewing the situation in Tom's situation."

Tom's mother said she had been "deeply moved" by how people had responded to her sharing her son's experiences.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was commended for his dedication by store leadership.

"He contributed extensive time of his time exclusively because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and have an impact," said his mother.

Tom's mother commended and appreciated staff at the Manchester branch for helping him, adding: "They included him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I feel he was just under the radar - all was running smoothly until it went to head office."

Both individuals have been supported by regional leader the mayor.

He wrote on online platforms that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and promised to "assist him to identify different opportunities that works".

Burnham stated the regional organization "would encourage each company - including Waitrose - to register to our recently launched diversity program".

Conversing with Frances, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the public figure commented: "Congratulations for highlighting the issue because we must have a significant public information effort here."

She agreed to his invitation to act as a spokesperson for the initiative.