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The supermarket has overturned its ruling not to offer compensated employment to an individual with autism after initially saying he had to cease stacking shelves at the store where he had worked unpaid for several years.

During the summer, the young man's parent inquired whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be offered a employment opportunity at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her request was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

Recently, rival chain Asda said it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Addressing the supermarket's reversal, the parent said: "We are going to consider the offer and determine whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to resume working... and are having additional conversations with Waitrose."

'We are investigating'

A representative for Waitrose said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are seeking support from his family and the charity to facilitate this."

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

"We place great importance about supporting workers into the workplace who might typically not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we warmly welcomed Tom and his support worker into our local store to gain experience and build his confidence."

"We have policies in place to facilitate unpaid work, and are investigating the circumstances in this case."

Frances stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how the public had answered to her sharing her son's experiences.

The young man, who has challenges with communication, was commended for his dedication by supervisors.

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his energy purely because he desired community connection, make a difference, and have an impact," said his parent.

Frances recognized and acknowledged employees at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, adding: "They included him and were wonderfully accommodating."

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

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

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" handling and committed to "support him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

The official stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage all employers - such as Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched diversity program".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who shared information of Tom's Asda job offer on media outlets, the public figure said: "Well done for highlighting the issue because we need a huge awareness campaign here."

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