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Waitrose has overturned its determination not to offer a paying position to an individual with autism after initially saying he had to stop volunteering at the store where he had worked unpaid for four years.

During the summer, Tom's mother asked whether her family member the individual could be provided a job at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her request was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, alternative retailer the grocery chain stated it wanted to offer Tom compensated work at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to the supermarket's reversal, the parent commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and determine whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to go back... and are having ongoing talks with the supermarket."

'Looking into the matter'

A representative for the retailer stated: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in paid employment, and are working closely from his relatives and the charity to do so."

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

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

"Therefore, we enthusiastically received Tom and his support worker into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and develop his abilities."

"We have guidelines in place to support community service, and are investigating the circumstances in this instance."

Frances explained she had been "overwhelmed" by how people had reacted to her discussing her family's story.

The individual, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his work ethic by supervisors.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his time solely because he sought inclusion, be helpful, and create value," commented his mother.

The parent commended and appreciated staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, stating: "They included him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I think he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it reached corporate level."

Both individuals have been endorsed by regional leader Andy Burnham.

He wrote on X that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and vowed to "help him to identify different opportunities that functions".

Burnham declared the local government body "would encourage every business - including Waitrose - to participate to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Discussing with Frances, who broke the news of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the elected official commented: "Good on you for raising awareness because we require a significant public information effort here."

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