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The supermarket has overturned its decision not to grant paid work to an neurodivergent person after initially saying he had to stop working at the location where he had worked unpaid for several years.

Earlier this year, Frances Boyd inquired whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be provided a position at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

Recently, competing supermarket the grocery chain stated it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its local branch.

Reacting to the company's change of position, the parent commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in what's best for our son to resume working... and are having additional conversations with Waitrose."

'We are investigating'

A official for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his family and the non-profit to facilitate this."

"We anticipate to welcome him again with us in the near future."

"We are committed about assisting individuals into the job market who might typically not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his helper into our local store to build skills and develop his abilities."

"We have procedures in place to support unpaid work, and are reviewing what's happened in Tom's situation."

Tom's mother stated she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had reacted to her talking about her child's situation.

The young man, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his work ethic by managers.

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his time purely because he sought inclusion, be helpful, and have an impact," stated his mum.

Frances commended and appreciated team members at the local supermarket for helping him, adding: "They included him and were absolutely brilliant."

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

Both individuals have been backed by local official Andy Burnham.

He posted on X that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" treatment and vowed to "help him to find another placement that works".

The official said the regional organization "would encourage each company - including Waitrose - to register to our newly established diversity program".

Discussing with Frances, who broke the news of the alternative position on local radio, the elected official said: "Well done for raising awareness because we need a significant public information effort here."

She accepted his invitation to serve as a representative for the campaign.