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The supermarket has overturned its ruling not to provide a paying position to an autistic man after previously stating he had to stop working at the location where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent asked whether her family member Tom Boyd could be offered a job at the grocery store in the Manchester area, but her request was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

Recently, rival chain Asda said it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Responding to the company's change of position, the parent commented: "We are going to think about it and decide whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to return... and are having additional conversations with Waitrose."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A representative for Waitrose stated: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the charity to make this happen."

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

"We place great importance about helping workers into the job market who might typically not be given a chance."

"Therefore, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and build his confidence."

"We have guidelines in place to enable community service, and are reviewing the situation in Tom's situation."

The parent said she had been "overwhelmed" by how people had reacted to her sharing her son's experiences.

The young man, who has limited communication skills, was recognized for his commitment by managers.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his time exclusively because he sought inclusion, be helpful, and create value," said his mother.

Frances praised and thanked team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were wonderfully accommodating."

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

The family have been backed by local official Andy Burnham.

He posted on X that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and vowed to "help him to find another placement that works".

Burnham stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "strongly urges every business - including Waitrose - to participate to our newly established Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Discussing with Tom's mother, who announced of the employment opportunity on media outlets, the Labour mayor commented: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we require a huge awareness campaign here."

She consented to his invitation to become an advocate for the initiative.