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Waitrose has overturned its decision not to provide compensated employment to an autistic man after initially saying he had to discontinue working at the location where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

During the summer, the young man's parent inquired whether her 28-year-old son her son could be offered a position at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her application was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, alternative retailer the grocery chain said it wanted to offer Tom compensated work at its Manchester location.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Frances stated: "We are going to evaluate the situation and determine whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to resume working... and are having further discussions with the company."

'We are investigating'

A spokesman for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in paid employment, and are working closely from his loved ones and the support organization to facilitate this."

"We hope to see him back with us in the near future."

"We care deeply about assisting individuals into the workplace who might typically not be given a chance."

"Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have policies in place to enable community service, and are reviewing the situation in this instance."

Frances explained she had been "overwhelmed" by how individuals had answered to her discussing her son's experiences.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was recognized for his work ethic by store leadership.

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his time purely because he wanted to belong, contribute, and make a difference," stated his mum.

Frances praised and thanked staff at the local supermarket for helping him, stating: "They included him and were absolutely brilliant."

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

Both individuals have been endorsed by local official Andy Burnham.

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "truly terrible" management and promised to "help him to find another placement that works".

The mayor declared the regional organization "strongly urges every business - like Waitrose - to participate to our newly established diversity program".

Discussing with Tom's mother, who announced of the employment opportunity on BBC Radio Manchester, the public figure said: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we need a significant public information effort here."

She agreed to his proposal to act as a spokesperson for the program.