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Waitrose has changed its decision not to provide a paying position to an individual with autism after originally indicating he had to stop working at the branch where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

In July, Frances Boyd asked whether her family member her son could be provided a job at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her application was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, rival chain the grocery chain said it was interested in providing Tom paid shifts at its local branch.

Reacting to the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother said: "We are going to think about it and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to resume working... and are having ongoing talks with the supermarket."

'Looking into the matter'

A official for Waitrose stated: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his loved ones and the non-profit to make this happen."

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

"We care deeply about helping workers into the employment who might typically not be offered opportunities."

"Therefore, we warmly welcomed Tom and his helper into our Manchester location to gain experience and develop his abilities."

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

Tom's mother stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how individuals had responded to her talking about her son's experiences.

The young man, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his work ethic by managers.

"He contributed extensive time of his effort exclusively because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and make a difference," stated his parent.

Tom's mother commended and appreciated team members at the local supermarket for supporting him, noting: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

"I believe he was just flying under the radar - everything was working well until it reached corporate level."

The family have been backed by local official the mayor.

He wrote on X that Tom had received "deeply concerning" management and committed to "support him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

Burnham declared the regional organization "strongly urges all employers - including Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who shared information of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor stated: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we must have a major education initiative here."

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