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The supermarket has changed its determination not to offer a paying position to an individual with autism after initially saying he had to discontinue working at the store where he had donated his time for four years.

During the summer, the young man's parent inquired whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be offered a employment opportunity at the supermarket in Cheadle Hulme, but her request was eventually rejected by the company's corporate office.

Recently, alternative retailer Asda stated it sought to give Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, the parent said: "We are going to think about it and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having additional conversations with Waitrose."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A spokesman for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the support organization to make this happen."

"We expect to have him return with us in the near future."

"We place great importance about assisting people into the job market who might usually not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and develop his abilities."

"We have guidelines in place to support volunteering, and are examining what's happened in Tom's situation."

The parent explained she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had reacted to her talking about her family's story.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was commended for his dedication by managers.

"He donated extensive time of his time purely because he wanted to belong, contribute, and have an impact," stated his parent.

Frances praised and thanked staff at the Manchester branch for assisting him, adding: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I think he was just flying under the radar - everything was working well until it reached corporate level."

Both individuals have been supported by Greater Manchester mayor the public figure.

He wrote on X that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and committed to "support him to find another placement that works".

Burnham said the regional organization "actively promotes all employers - such as Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

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

She consented to his proposal to act as a spokesperson for the initiative.