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Waitrose has overturned its decision not to offer paid work to an autistic man after initially saying he had to cease stacking shelves at the store where he had volunteered for an extended period.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother asked whether her adult child the individual could be provided a employment opportunity at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her request was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

This week, competing supermarket Asda stated it wanted to offer Tom compensated work at its local branch.

Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in what's best for our son to return... and are having ongoing talks with the supermarket."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A spokesman for the retailer stated: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his relatives and the support organization to make this happen."

"We hope to have him return with us very soon."

"We place great importance about assisting individuals into the job market who might usually not be provided employment."

"Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his support worker into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have procedures in place to support community service, and are reviewing what's happened in this instance."

The parent explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how individuals had answered to her discussing her family's story.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his dedication by supervisors.

"He donated over 600 hours of his energy exclusively because he desired community connection, contribute, and make a difference," commented his mum.

The parent praised and thanked employees at the local supermarket for supporting him, stating: "They welcomed him and were absolutely brilliant."

"I feel he was just under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it became a headquarters matter."

Both individuals have been supported by local official the mayor.

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

The official said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "strongly urges every business - including Waitrose - to sign up to our brand new Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Discussing with Frances, who shared information of Tom's Asda job offer on media outlets, the Labour mayor commented: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we must have a significant public information effort here."

She consented to his offer to serve as a representative for the initiative.