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Waitrose has overturned its determination not to grant compensated employment to an autistic man after previously stating he had to stop working at the location where he had donated his time for an extended period.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother requested whether her family member the individual could be offered a job at the supermarket in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, competing supermarket Asda announced it was interested in providing Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother commented: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in what's best for our son to resume working... and are having additional conversations with the company."

'We are investigating'

A spokesman for the retailer commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the non-profit to make this happen."

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

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

"Therefore, we warmly welcomed Tom and his support worker into our local store to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

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

Frances said she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had reacted to her discussing her child's situation.

The individual, who has specific communication needs, was commended for his dedication by supervisors.

"He gave over 600 hours of his energy exclusively because he desired community connection, make a difference, and have an impact," commented his parent.

The parent commended and appreciated staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, noting: "They included him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I believe he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it became a headquarters matter."

Tom and his mum have been endorsed by Greater Manchester mayor the mayor.

He wrote on social media that Tom had received "deeply concerning" treatment and committed to "help him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

The official stated the regional organization "strongly urges every business - such as Waitrose - to register to our brand new Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who announced of the alternative position on media outlets, the Labour mayor stated: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we must have a major education initiative here."

She agreed to his proposal to become an advocate for the initiative.