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The supermarket has overturned its ruling not to offer compensated employment to an individual with autism after initially saying he had to stop stacking shelves at the branch where he had donated his time for four years.

In July, Frances Boyd asked whether her family member Tom Boyd could be offered a position at the retail establishment in Greater Manchester, but her application was ultimately declined by Waitrose head office.

Recently, alternative retailer Asda stated it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its local branch.

Addressing the company's change of position, Frances stated: "We are going to think about it and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to return... and are having additional conversations with Waitrose."

'We are investigating'

A official for the supermarket chain said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are working closely from his loved ones and the non-profit to make this happen."

"We expect to welcome him again with us in the near future."

"We care deeply about helping workers into the employment who might usually not be provided employment."

"Therefore, we enthusiastically received Tom and his support worker into our local store to learn the ropes and build his confidence."

"We have procedures in place to support volunteering, and are investigating what's happened in this case."

The parent said she had been "deeply moved" by how the public had reacted to her discussing her family's story.

The individual, who has challenges with communication, was recognized for his commitment by store leadership.

"He contributed extensive time of his time purely because he wanted to belong, contribute, and make a difference," said his mum.

Tom's mother recognized and acknowledged team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for assisting him, stating: "They made him part of the team and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I believe he was just flying under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it became a headquarters matter."

The family have been endorsed by Greater Manchester mayor the mayor.

He posted on X that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and vowed to "help him to identify different opportunities that works".

The official stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage every business - like Waitrose - to register to our brand new inclusion initiative".

Conversing with Frances, who shared information of the employment opportunity on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor stated: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we require a major education initiative here."

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