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Waitrose has overturned its decision not to grant paid work to an autistic man after previously stating he had to discontinue stacking shelves at the branch where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

During the summer, Tom's mother asked whether her 28-year-old son her son could be offered a position at the grocery store in the Manchester area, but her application was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

Recently, rival chain Asda stated it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to Waitrose's U-turn, Frances commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having further discussions with Waitrose."

'Looking into the matter'

A spokesman for the retailer commented: "We'd like to have Tom return, in a paying position, and are seeking support from his family and the non-profit to do so."

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

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

"Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his support worker into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and build his confidence."

"We have guidelines in place to facilitate unpaid work, and are examining the situation in this case."

Frances stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how the public had reacted to her talking about her family's story.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was recognized for his commitment by supervisors.

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his time exclusively because he wanted to belong, contribute, and create value," stated his parent.

Frances praised and thanked team members at the local supermarket for assisting him, adding: "They included him and were absolutely brilliant."

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

Tom and his mum have been endorsed by regional leader the public figure.

He wrote on online platforms that Tom had received "truly terrible" treatment and vowed to "support him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

The official declared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "actively promotes every business - such as Waitrose - to sign up to our brand new diversity program".

Discussing with the parent, who broke the news of Tom's Asda job offer on media outlets, the Labour mayor said: "Congratulations for highlighting the issue because we need a significant public information effort here."

She agreed to his invitation to serve as a representative for the campaign.