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The supermarket has overturned its ruling not to provide compensated employment to an autistic man after initially saying he had to stop working at the branch where he had worked unpaid for four years.

In July, Frances Boyd asked whether her adult child her son could be provided a employment opportunity at the retail establishment in the Manchester area, but her request was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, competing supermarket the grocery chain said it wanted to offer Tom employment hours at its local branch.

Responding to the supermarket's reversal, the parent stated: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having ongoing talks with the company."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A spokesman for Waitrose stated: "We'd like to have Tom return, in a paying position, and are working closely from his family and the charity to make this happen."

"We expect to see him back with us very soon."

"We are committed about supporting individuals into the workplace who might typically not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and develop his abilities."

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

Tom's mother stated she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had reacted to her sharing her family's story.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was recognized for his commitment by supervisors.

"He gave over 600 hours of his effort exclusively because he sought inclusion, make a difference, and make a difference," commented his mother.

Frances praised and thanked employees at the Manchester branch for helping him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

"I believe he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it reached corporate level."

The family have been supported by local official the mayor.

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "truly terrible" management and promised to "help him to find another placement that works".

The official declared the regional organization "would encourage each company - including Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established diversity program".

Speaking with Tom's mother, who shared information of the employment opportunity on local radio, the Labour mayor said: "Good on you for raising awareness because we need a significant public information effort here."

She agreed to his invitation to become an advocate for the campaign.