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The supermarket has reversed its determination not to grant compensated employment to an autistic man after originally indicating he had to discontinue working at the location where he had worked unpaid for four years.

In July, Tom's mother requested whether her family member the individual could be offered a employment opportunity at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, competing supermarket the grocery chain announced it sought to give Tom compensated work at its Manchester location.

Reacting 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 go back... and are having additional conversations with the supermarket."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A representative for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his family and the support organization to make this happen."

"We anticipate to have him return with us shortly."

"We are committed about helping individuals into the job market who might typically not be given a chance."

"Therefore, we gladly accepted Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and build his confidence."

"We have guidelines in place to enable unpaid work, and are reviewing what's happened in Tom's situation."

Frances stated she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had reacted to her talking about her son's experiences.

The individual, who has challenges with communication, was commended for his dedication by store leadership.

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his effort exclusively because he wanted to belong, contribute, and create value," said his mum.

The parent recognized and acknowledged team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for assisting him, noting: "They welcomed him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I feel he was just under the radar - all was running smoothly until it reached corporate level."

Both individuals have been supported by Greater Manchester mayor the mayor.

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

The official stated the local government body "actively promotes each company - like Waitrose - to participate to our brand new inclusion initiative".

Discussing with Tom's mother, who broke the news of the alternative position on media outlets, the public figure said: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

She agreed to his proposal to serve as a representative for the program.