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The supermarket has changed its decision not to grant a paying position to an individual with autism after initially saying he had to stop volunteering at the location where he had worked unpaid for several years.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother asked whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be provided a position at the retail establishment in Greater Manchester, but her application was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

Recently, competing supermarket Asda said it sought to give Tom employment hours at its local branch.

Responding to the company's change of position, the parent said: "We are going to consider the offer and decide whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to resume working... and are having additional conversations with Waitrose."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A representative for the retailer commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the charity to make this happen."

"We anticipate to see him back with us very soon."

"We place great importance about assisting individuals into the workplace who might usually not be given a chance."

"As such, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our local store to gain experience and develop his abilities."

"We have guidelines in place to facilitate community service, and are reviewing the circumstances in this case."

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

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

"He gave over 600 hours of his effort purely because he desired community connection, make a difference, and create value," commented his parent.

Frances commended and appreciated team members at the local supermarket for helping him, noting: "They made him part of the team and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I believe he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it became a headquarters matter."

Both individuals have been endorsed by regional leader the public figure.

He wrote on X that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" treatment and vowed to "help him to secure alternative employment that functions".

The mayor stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage all employers - including Waitrose - to register to our brand new Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Conversing with Frances, who shared information of the alternative position on local radio, the elected official stated: "Well done for highlighting the issue because we need a significant public information effort here."

She consented to his proposal to serve as a representative for the campaign.