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The supermarket has overturned its determination not to provide a paying position to an individual with autism after previously stating he had to stop stacking shelves at the location where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

Earlier this year, Frances Boyd inquired whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be provided a employment opportunity at the supermarket in Greater Manchester, but her request was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

This week, competing supermarket Asda said it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its local branch.

Addressing the company's change of position, the parent commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in what's best for our son to resume working... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A representative for Waitrose said: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in paid employment, and are seeking support from his loved ones and the non-profit to facilitate this."

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

"We care deeply about assisting people into the job market who might otherwise not be given a chance."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to learn the ropes and develop his abilities."

"We have policies in place to facilitate community service, and are reviewing what's happened in this case."

The parent said she had been "deeply moved" by how people had responded to her talking about her child's situation.

The young man, who has challenges with communication, was recognized for his work ethic by store leadership.

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his time solely because he desired community connection, be helpful, and have an impact," said his mother.

Tom's mother commended and appreciated staff at the Manchester branch for supporting him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I believe he was just not sufficiently noticed - everything was working well until it became a headquarters matter."

The family have been supported by local official the mayor.

He posted on X that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" treatment and promised to "support him to secure alternative employment that works".

The mayor declared the regional organization "actively promotes all employers - including Waitrose - to register to our newly established diversity program".

Discussing with Frances, who shared information of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the Labour mayor stated: "Well done for highlighting the issue because we need a significant public information effort here."

She accepted his invitation to serve as a representative for the program.