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The supermarket has reversed its ruling not to provide a paying position to an autistic man after originally indicating he had to stop stacking shelves at the location where he had donated his time for several years.

During the summer, Frances Boyd asked whether her adult child the individual could be provided a position at the retail establishment in Greater Manchester, but her application was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, alternative retailer Asda said it sought to give Tom compensated work at its local branch.

Addressing the company's change of position, the parent commented: "We are going to consider the offer and determine whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to go back... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A spokesman for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the charity to do so."

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

"We place great importance about supporting individuals into the job market who might usually not be provided employment."

"Therefore, we warmly welcomed Tom and his support worker into our Manchester location to build skills and develop his abilities."

"We have procedures in place to support unpaid work, and are examining the circumstances in this case."

The parent said she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had responded to her discussing her child's situation.

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

"He gave over 600 hours of his time exclusively because he wanted to belong, contribute, and create value," said his parent.

Frances recognized and acknowledged employees at the Manchester branch for assisting him, noting: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

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

Both individuals have been backed by regional leader the public figure.

He posted on X that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" handling and vowed to "support him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

Burnham said the local government body "would encourage each company - like Waitrose - to register to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

Conversing with Frances, who broke the news of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the public figure said: "Well done for raising awareness because we need a major education initiative here."

She accepted his proposal to serve as a representative for the initiative.