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The grocery retailer has overturned its ruling not to provide paid work to an individual with autism after previously stating he had to stop stacking shelves at the branch where he had volunteered for several years.

During the summer, the young man's parent asked whether her adult child the individual could be offered a job at the supermarket in Cheadle Hulme, but her proposal was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

This week, rival chain the grocery chain announced it sought to give Tom compensated work at its Manchester location.

Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, Frances stated: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to resume working... and are having further discussions with the company."

'Looking into the matter'

A official for the retailer stated: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the support organization to do so."

"We hope to welcome him again with us very soon."

"We care deeply about assisting workers into the employment who might usually not be provided employment."

"Consequently, we warmly welcomed Tom and his support worker into our Manchester location to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have procedures in place to support volunteering, and are reviewing the situation in this instance."

The parent stated she had been "deeply moved" by how people had responded to her discussing her family's story.

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

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his energy exclusively because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and make a difference," stated his parent.

Tom's mother praised and thanked team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, stating: "They included him and were exceptionally supportive."

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

Both individuals have been backed by local official the public figure.

He stated on X that Tom had received "truly terrible" management and promised to "assist him to identify different opportunities that works".

The official said the regional organization "would encourage every business - including Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Speaking with Frances, who shared information of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the public figure commented: "Good on you for raising awareness because we require a huge awareness campaign here."

She agreed to his offer to become an advocate for the program.