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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 cease working at the location where he had worked unpaid for four years.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother inquired whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be provided a position at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her request was eventually rejected by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, competing supermarket Asda said it wanted to offer Tom paid shifts at its local branch.

Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to resume working... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'We are investigating'

A official for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to have Tom return, in a paying position, and are working closely from his relatives and the charity to facilitate this."

"We hope to have him return with us shortly."

"We place great importance about assisting people into the employment who might usually not be provided employment."

"As such, we warmly welcomed Tom and his support worker into our local store to learn the ropes and build his confidence."

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

Tom's mother said she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had answered to her talking about her child's situation.

The young man, who has challenges with communication, was commended for his work ethic by managers.

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

The parent commended and appreciated employees at the local supermarket for assisting him, stating: "They included him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I think he was just flying under the radar - everything was working well until it reached corporate level."

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

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "deeply concerning" treatment and committed to "assist him to secure alternative employment that functions".

The official said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage all employers - like Waitrose - to participate to our brand new Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Conversing with the parent, who announced of the employment opportunity on local radio, the elected official commented: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we must have a major education initiative here."

She consented to his proposal to serve as a representative for the program.