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Waitrose has reversed its decision not to provide compensated employment to an autistic man after originally indicating he had to discontinue volunteering at the store where he had volunteered for an extended period.

During the summer, Tom's mother asked whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be provided a job at the grocery store in the Manchester area, but her proposal was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters.

This week, alternative retailer Asda stated it wanted to offer Tom paid shifts at its local branch.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, the parent stated: "We are going to evaluate the situation and determine whether it is in Tom's best interests to resume working... and are having additional conversations with the supermarket."

'Looking into the matter'

A representative for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to have Tom return, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the non-profit to make this happen."

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

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

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our local store to learn the ropes and build his confidence."

"We have policies in place to enable unpaid work, and are investigating what's happened in this instance."

Frances stated she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had answered to her sharing her son's experiences.

Tom, who has specific communication needs, was praised for his work ethic by store leadership.

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his effort solely because he wanted to belong, contribute, and have an impact," stated his mother.

The parent praised and thanked employees at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, adding: "They welcomed him and were absolutely brilliant."

"I feel he was just not sufficiently noticed - everything was working well until it became a headquarters matter."

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

He stated on social media that Tom had received "truly terrible" treatment and committed to "assist him to find another placement that works".

The mayor stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage each company - including Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who broke the news of Tom's Asda job offer on media outlets, the Labour mayor stated: "Well done for raising awareness because we require a significant public information effort here."

She agreed to his proposal to serve as a representative for the program.