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The grocery retailer has reversed its decision not to grant compensated employment to an autistic man after initially saying he had to discontinue volunteering at the store where he had volunteered for four years.

During the summer, Frances Boyd asked whether her family member the individual could be provided a position at the grocery store in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was finally turned down by Waitrose head office.

Recently, competing supermarket the grocery chain stated it sought to give Tom compensated work at its local branch.

Responding to the supermarket's reversal, Frances commented: "We are going to think about it and choose whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'Conducting an inquiry'

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

"We hope to see him back with us shortly."

"We care deeply about supporting individuals into the job market who might otherwise not be offered opportunities."

"As such, we gladly accepted Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and develop his abilities."

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

Tom's mother stated she had been "deeply moved" by how the public had reacted to her talking about her child's situation.

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

"He donated extensive time of his energy solely because he sought inclusion, be helpful, and create value," commented his mother.

Frances praised and thanked staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for assisting him, stating: "They included him and were absolutely brilliant."

"I feel he was just under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it reached corporate level."

Both individuals have been backed by regional leader Andy Burnham.

He wrote on social media that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" handling and committed to "assist him to find another placement that succeeds".

The mayor stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage every business - including Waitrose - to register to our recently launched Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Discussing with Tom's mother, who shared information of the alternative position on media outlets, the public figure stated: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we must have a significant public information effort here."

She accepted his invitation to serve as a representative for the program.