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The supermarket has overturned its decision not to grant paid work to an individual with autism after previously stating he had to discontinue stacking shelves at the branch where he had volunteered for an extended period.

In July, the young man's parent asked whether her family member the individual could be provided a employment opportunity at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her request was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, rival chain Asda announced it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing the supermarket's reversal, Frances stated: "We are going to consider the offer and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having further discussions with the company."

'We are investigating'

A official for Waitrose said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the charity to make this happen."

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

"We are committed about supporting people into the workplace who might typically not be offered opportunities."

"As such, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to gain experience and build his confidence."

"We have procedures in place to enable community service, and are investigating the situation in this case."

The parent stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had answered to her discussing her family's story.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was recognized for his dedication by store leadership.

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his effort solely because he desired community connection, contribute, and have an impact," stated his parent.

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

"I believe he was just under the radar - everything was working well until it became a headquarters matter."

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

He wrote on X that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and vowed to "assist him to find another placement that succeeds".

The mayor stated the local government body "would encourage every business - like Waitrose - to register to our brand new inclusion initiative".

Speaking with the parent, who announced of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor commented: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we must have a major education initiative here."

She agreed to his invitation to become an advocate for the initiative.