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The grocery retailer has reversed its ruling not to provide compensated employment to an individual with autism after initially saying he had to stop stacking shelves at the store where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent asked whether her family member the individual could be offered a employment opportunity at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her application was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters.

This week, rival chain Asda announced it sought to give Tom compensated work at its Manchester location.

Addressing the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother said: "We are going to consider the offer and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to go back... and are having additional conversations with the supermarket."

'We are investigating'

A official for Waitrose stated: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are working closely from his family and the charity to do so."

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

"We are committed about helping workers into the job market who might usually not be provided employment."

"As such, we warmly welcomed Tom and his support worker into our Manchester location to gain experience and develop his abilities."

"We have procedures in place to enable unpaid work, and are reviewing the circumstances in this instance."

Frances stated she had been "deeply moved" by how the public had answered to her discussing her family's story.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his commitment by managers.

"He donated extensive time of his energy purely because he sought inclusion, make a difference, and create value," said his parent.

Frances commended and appreciated employees at the Manchester branch for assisting him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

"I believe he was just not sufficiently noticed - operations were proceeding normally until it reached corporate level."

The family have been supported by local official the public figure.

He wrote on X that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and committed to "help him to secure alternative employment that functions".

The official stated the regional organization "actively promotes all employers - like Waitrose - to participate to our newly established Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Conversing with Frances, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the public figure commented: "Congratulations for highlighting the issue because we need a huge awareness campaign here."

She agreed to his proposal to become an advocate for the program.