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The grocery retailer has reversed its determination not to provide paid work to an autistic man after initially saying he had to discontinue working at the store where he had volunteered for several years.

Earlier this year, Frances Boyd asked whether her 28-year-old son her son could be provided a position at the supermarket in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was ultimately declined by Waitrose head office.

This week, rival chain the grocery chain stated it wanted to offer Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother stated: "We are going to think about it and determine whether it is in Tom's best interests to resume working... and are having further discussions with the company."

'We are investigating'

A representative for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in a paying position, and are working closely from his relatives and the non-profit to do so."

"We expect to welcome him again with us shortly."

"We are committed about supporting people into the job market who might typically not be provided employment."

"As such, we enthusiastically received Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have policies in place to support volunteering, and are examining the circumstances in Tom's situation."

Frances stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had responded to her discussing her family's story.

The young man, who has specific communication needs, was praised for his commitment by store leadership.

"He gave over 600 hours of his energy purely because he desired community connection, be helpful, and create value," commented his mum.

Frances commended and appreciated team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, adding: "They welcomed him and were absolutely brilliant."

"I feel he was just not sufficiently noticed - operations were proceeding normally until it reached corporate level."

Tom and his mum have been supported by local official the public figure.

He posted on X that Tom had received "deeply concerning" management and committed to "help him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

Burnham said the local government body "strongly urges each company - such as Waitrose - to participate to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Discussing with the parent, who broke the news of Tom's Asda job offer on media outlets, the elected official said: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we require a significant public information effort here."

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