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The supermarket has reversed its determination not to grant a paying position to an autistic man after initially saying he had to cease stacking shelves at the location where he had donated his time for four years.

During the summer, Frances Boyd asked whether her adult child the individual could be offered a employment opportunity at the retail establishment in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

Recently, alternative retailer Asda announced it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Responding to the company's change of position, the parent stated: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to resume working... and are having additional conversations with Waitrose."

'Looking into the matter'

A representative for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are working closely from his relatives and the charity to do so."

"We hope to see him back with us shortly."

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

"Therefore, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have policies in place to facilitate community service, and are examining the circumstances in Tom's situation."

Tom's mother said she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had answered to her talking about her family's story.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his dedication by managers.

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his time purely because he wanted to belong, contribute, and make a difference," commented his mother.

The parent recognized and acknowledged employees at the local supermarket for helping him, stating: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

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

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

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

The official said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage each company - such as Waitrose - to sign up to our brand new Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Discussing with Tom's mother, who shared information of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the public figure stated: "Congratulations for highlighting the issue because we require a major education initiative here."

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