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The supermarket has overturned its determination not to offer paid work to an individual with autism after initially saying he had to cease volunteering at the branch where he had volunteered for several years.

In July, Tom's mother asked whether her adult child her son could be provided a job at the supermarket in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was finally turned down by Waitrose head office.

This week, competing supermarket the grocery chain said it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to the supermarket's reversal, the parent said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and choose whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having additional conversations with the company."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A official for the retailer stated: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are working closely 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 helping workers into the job market who might typically not be provided employment."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to learn the ropes and develop his abilities."

"We have policies in place to enable unpaid work, and are investigating the situation in Tom's situation."

The parent explained she had been "overwhelmed" by how people had responded to her discussing her son's experiences.

The young man, who has specific communication needs, was praised for his work ethic by supervisors.

"He donated extensive time of his effort exclusively because he sought inclusion, be helpful, and have an impact," said his parent.

The parent commended and appreciated team members at the local supermarket for assisting him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

"I feel he was just under the radar - all was running smoothly until it became a headquarters matter."

Both individuals have been endorsed by local official the mayor.

He stated on X that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and committed to "assist him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

The official declared the regional organization "strongly urges all employers - including Waitrose - to register to our brand new diversity program".

Conversing with Frances, who shared information of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the public figure said: "Well done for bringing attention because we need a significant public information effort here."

She consented to his invitation to serve as a representative for the campaign.