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The grocery retailer has overturned its ruling not to grant a paying position to an individual with autism after originally indicating he had to discontinue volunteering at the branch where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

During the summer, Frances Boyd requested whether her family member her son could be offered a position at the supermarket in Cheadle Hulme, but her request was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, competing supermarket the grocery chain said it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother commented: "We are going to consider the offer and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to go back... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'We are investigating'

A official for the retailer commented: "We'd like to have Tom return, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his loved ones and the support organization to make this happen."

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

"We care deeply about helping people into the workplace who might typically not be provided employment."

"Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

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

Tom's mother stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how individuals had responded to her sharing her family's story.

The young man, who has challenges with communication, was recognized for his dedication by supervisors.

"He contributed extensive time of his effort exclusively because he wanted to belong, contribute, and create value," said his mother.

Frances recognized and acknowledged employees at the Manchester branch for assisting him, stating: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

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

Tom and his mum have been backed by Greater Manchester mayor the public figure.

He posted on X that Tom had received "deeply concerning" treatment and vowed to "support him to secure alternative employment that functions".

The mayor stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage each company - like Waitrose - to participate to our brand new Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Speaking with Frances, who announced of the alternative position on media outlets, the public figure commented: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we need a major education initiative here."

She accepted his invitation to become an advocate for the program.