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The grocery retailer has changed its determination not to provide compensated employment to an autistic man after originally indicating he had to cease stacking shelves at the store where he had volunteered for several years.

In July, Tom's mother asked whether her 28-year-old son the individual could be provided a job at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her application was finally turned down by Waitrose head office.

This week, alternative retailer the grocery chain stated it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its local branch.

Reacting to the supermarket's reversal, Frances said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to resume working... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'We are investigating'

A representative for the supermarket chain said: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in paid employment, and are seeking support from his family and the non-profit to make this happen."

"We hope to welcome him again with us shortly."

"We place great importance about supporting people into the workplace who might typically not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to learn the ropes and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have procedures in place to enable volunteering, and are investigating the situation in this instance."

Tom's mother explained she had been "deeply moved" by how people had answered to her discussing her family's story.

The individual, who has specific communication needs, was recognized for his dedication by store leadership.

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his energy purely because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and have an impact," stated his mother.

Tom's mother praised and thanked team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for assisting him, noting: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

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

Tom and his mum have been backed by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.

He posted on social media that Tom had received "deeply concerning" management and promised to "help him to secure alternative employment that succeeds".

Burnham declared the local government body "would encourage all employers - including Waitrose - to sign up to our brand new inclusion initiative".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who announced of the employment opportunity on BBC Radio Manchester, the elected official stated: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

She agreed to his invitation to act as a spokesperson for the program.