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The grocery retailer has overturned its decision not to grant compensated employment to an individual with autism after previously stating he had to cease working at the store where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother requested whether her adult child the individual could be provided a employment opportunity at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her proposal was eventually rejected by Waitrose head office.

On Thursday, competing supermarket the grocery chain announced it was interested in providing Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to the supermarket's reversal, Frances said: "We are going to consider the offer and decide whether it is in what's best for our son to return... and are having ongoing talks with the company."

'We are investigating'

A spokesman for the retailer stated: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the non-profit to make this happen."

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

"We are committed about assisting people into the job market who might usually not be offered opportunities."

"As such, we gladly accepted Tom and his helper into our local store to build skills and develop his abilities."

"We have policies in place to enable community service, and are investigating what's happened in Tom's situation."

Frances said she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had answered to her discussing her son's experiences.

Tom, who has limited communication skills, was commended for his commitment by store leadership.

"He contributed extensive time of his energy purely because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and make a difference," stated his mum.

Frances recognized and acknowledged employees at the local supermarket for helping him, noting: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

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

Both individuals have been backed by local official the mayor.

He wrote on online platforms that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" treatment and committed to "assist him to find another placement that functions".

The mayor declared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage all employers - including Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Speaking with the parent, who broke the news of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor said: "Well done for raising awareness because we must have a significant public information effort here."

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