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The grocery retailer has reversed its ruling not to grant paid work to an individual with autism after previously stating he had to stop stacking shelves at the branch where he had donated his time for four years.

During the summer, Frances Boyd requested whether her family member the individual could be provided a employment opportunity at the supermarket in Greater Manchester, but her application was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, rival chain Asda said it wanted to offer Tom compensated work at its Manchester location.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Frances said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to return... and are having ongoing talks with the supermarket."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A official for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the non-profit to facilitate this."

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

"We care deeply about helping individuals into the workplace who might usually not be given a chance."

"Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his helper into our Manchester location to learn the ropes and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have procedures in place to support unpaid work, and are investigating the circumstances in Tom's situation."

The parent said she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had reacted to her discussing her child's situation.

Tom, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his dedication by store leadership.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his energy purely because he sought inclusion, be helpful, and create value," said his parent.

The parent praised and thanked staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for assisting him, noting: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

"I believe he was just flying under the radar - everything was working well until it went to head office."

The family have been endorsed by Greater Manchester mayor the mayor.

He wrote on social media that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" handling and vowed to "support him to secure alternative employment that succeeds".

Burnham declared the regional organization "actively promotes every business - like Waitrose - to participate to our brand new Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Discussing with Frances, who announced of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor said: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we must have a major education initiative here."

She accepted his offer to serve as a representative for the campaign.