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The grocery retailer has overturned its determination not to provide paid work to an autistic man after previously stating he had to cease volunteering at the location where he had volunteered for an extended period.

In July, the young man's parent inquired whether her adult child her son could be provided a job at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her proposal was eventually rejected by Waitrose head office.

On Thursday, rival chain the grocery chain announced it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Frances stated: "We are going to evaluate the situation and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to go back... and are having additional conversations with the supermarket."

'We are investigating'

A representative for the retailer said: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his relatives and the charity to do so."

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

"We are committed about assisting people into the employment who might usually not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our local store to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have guidelines in place to enable unpaid work, and are investigating what's happened in this case."

The parent said she had been "profoundly affected" by how the public had responded to her talking about her son's experiences.

Tom, who has specific communication needs, was recognized for his dedication by supervisors.

"He gave over 600 hours of his effort solely because he sought inclusion, contribute, and create value," said his mother.

The parent recognized and acknowledged team members at the Manchester branch for supporting him, noting: "They welcomed him and were absolutely brilliant."

"I think he was just not sufficiently noticed - operations were proceeding normally until it became a headquarters matter."

Tom and his mum have been backed by local official the mayor.

He posted on X that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" handling and vowed to "help him to identify different opportunities that works".

The official said the regional organization "actively promotes all employers - like Waitrose - to participate to our brand new diversity program".

Speaking with the parent, who shared information of the employment opportunity on local radio, the elected official said: "Well done for bringing attention because we require a significant public information effort here."

She accepted his invitation to become an advocate for the program.