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The grocery retailer has overturned its ruling not to offer compensated employment to an autistic man after initially saying he had to cease volunteering at the store where he had worked unpaid for four years.

During the summer, the young man's parent requested whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be offered a employment opportunity at the grocery store in Cheadle Hulme, but her request was finally turned down by Waitrose head office.

On Thursday, alternative retailer the grocery chain said it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing the company's change of position, the parent stated: "We are going to consider the offer and decide whether it is in what's best for our son to resume working... and are having additional conversations with the company."

'Looking into the matter'

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

"We hope to see him back with us shortly."

"We place great importance about helping people into the job market who might usually not be offered opportunities."

"As such, we enthusiastically received Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to learn the ropes and develop his abilities."

"We have policies in place to enable community service, and are reviewing what's happened in this instance."

The parent stated she had been "overwhelmed" by how people had responded to her sharing her son's experiences.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his commitment by store leadership.

"He donated over 600 hours of his time solely because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and create value," commented his mum.

Frances recognized and acknowledged employees at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for assisting him, noting: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

"I think he was just not sufficiently noticed - everything was working well until it became a headquarters matter."

Both individuals have been endorsed by Greater Manchester mayor the public figure.

He wrote on X that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and vowed to "support him to identify different opportunities that functions".

The mayor declared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage every business - such as Waitrose - to participate to our newly established Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Discussing with Frances, who announced of the employment opportunity on local radio, the Labour mayor stated: "Well done for bringing attention because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

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