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The grocery retailer has changed its determination not to provide paid work to an autistic man after previously stating he had to cease stacking shelves at the store where he had donated his time for several years.

During the summer, Tom's mother asked whether her family member her son could be offered a job at the retail establishment in Greater Manchester, but her application was eventually rejected by Waitrose head office.

This week, rival chain the grocery chain said it sought to give Tom employment hours at its local branch.

Responding to the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother commented: "We are going to think about it and determine whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A official for the retailer commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the support organization to facilitate this."

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

"We are committed about supporting workers into the workplace who might usually not be offered opportunities."

"As such, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and develop his abilities."

"We have guidelines in place to support community service, and are examining the situation in this case."

The parent stated she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had responded to her sharing her child's situation.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was recognized for his work ethic by supervisors.

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his time purely because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and create value," commented his mother.

Frances recognized and acknowledged employees at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, stating: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

"I believe he was just not sufficiently noticed - operations were proceeding normally until it reached corporate level."

The family have been backed by local official Andy Burnham.

He posted on X that Tom had received "deeply concerning" management and committed to "assist him to find another placement that works".

Burnham stated the local government body "strongly urges every business - such as Waitrose - to register to our brand new inclusion initiative".

Discussing with Tom's mother, who broke the news of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the elected official said: "Well done for bringing attention because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

She accepted his proposal to become an advocate for the campaign.