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The grocery retailer has changed its decision not to grant a paying position to an individual with autism after originally indicating he had to cease stacking shelves at the location where he had worked unpaid for several years.

During the summer, Tom's mother inquired whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be given a job at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her request was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

Recently, competing supermarket the grocery chain said it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its local branch.

Responding to the company's change of position, the parent stated: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to return... and are having further discussions with the supermarket."

'We are investigating'

A spokesman for the supermarket chain stated: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are working closely from his family and the charity to do so."

"We anticipate to welcome him again with us very soon."

"We place great importance about helping workers into the workplace who might usually not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have guidelines in place to facilitate community service, and are investigating the situation in this case."

Tom's mother stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had responded to her talking about her family's story.

The young man, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his dedication by managers.

"He gave over 600 hours of his time purely because he desired community connection, make a difference, and have an impact," stated his mum.

Frances praised and thanked team members at the Manchester branch for helping him, stating: "They included him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I think he was just under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it went to head office."

Tom and his mum have been supported by local official the public figure.

He stated on X that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and vowed to "assist him to secure alternative employment that works".

The mayor said the local government body "would encourage every business - like Waitrose - to register to our brand new diversity program".

Speaking with the parent, who broke the news of the alternative position on media outlets, the public figure stated: "Good on you for raising awareness because we need a huge awareness campaign here."

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