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The grocery retailer has reversed its determination not to provide a paying position to an individual with autism after originally indicating he had to discontinue working at the branch where he had volunteered for four years.

During the summer, Frances Boyd inquired whether her family member the individual could be offered a job at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her application was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, alternative retailer Asda said it was interested in providing Tom paid shifts at its local branch.

Responding to the supermarket's reversal, the parent stated: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'Looking into the matter'

A representative for Waitrose stated: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are working closely from his loved ones and the non-profit to facilitate this."

"We hope to have him return with us shortly."

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

"Therefore, we gladly accepted Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and build his confidence."

"We have guidelines in place to facilitate volunteering, and are investigating what's happened in this instance."

The parent explained she had been "overwhelmed" by how people had answered to her talking about her child's situation.

The young man, who has specific communication needs, was recognized for his commitment by store leadership.

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his energy purely because he desired community connection, contribute, and create value," stated his mother.

Frances commended and appreciated team members at the local supermarket for assisting him, noting: "They included him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I think he was just under the radar - everything was working well until it became a headquarters matter."

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

He wrote on X that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" management and promised to "support him to find another placement that succeeds".

The official stated the regional organization "would encourage every business - like Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched diversity program".

Conversing with Frances, who announced of the alternative position on local radio, the elected official commented: "Good on you for raising awareness because we must have a significant public information effort here."

She consented to his proposal to act as a spokesperson for the program.