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The grocery retailer has changed its decision not to grant compensated employment to an autistic man after initially saying he had to discontinue stacking shelves at the location where he had worked unpaid for several years.

In July, Frances Boyd inquired whether her family member the individual could be offered a employment opportunity at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her application was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

This week, rival chain Asda stated it was interested in providing Tom paid shifts at its local branch.

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

'We are investigating'

A representative for Waitrose said: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the charity to facilitate this."

"We anticipate to welcome him again with us shortly."

"We are committed about supporting people into the employment who might typically not be given a chance."

"Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our local store to learn the ropes and develop his abilities."

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

Frances said she had been "deeply moved" by how people had answered to her discussing her family's story.

The young man, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his commitment by supervisors.

"He contributed over 600 hours of his time purely because he sought inclusion, make a difference, and make a difference," said his mother.

Frances praised and thanked employees at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, noting: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I believe he was just flying under the radar - all was running smoothly until it became a headquarters matter."

Tom and his mum have been supported by regional leader Andy Burnham.

He wrote on social media that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and vowed to "help him to find another placement that functions".

Burnham declared the regional organization "would encourage every business - including Waitrose - to sign up to our brand new diversity program".

Discussing with Tom's mother, who shared information of Tom's Asda job offer on media outlets, the elected official said: "Good on you for bringing attention because we need a major education initiative here."

She consented to his invitation to serve as a representative for the initiative.