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The grocery retailer has reversed its ruling not to offer compensated employment to an individual with autism after previously stating he had to cease stacking shelves at the store where he had volunteered for an extended period.

During the summer, the young man's parent inquired whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be offered a position at the grocery store in the Manchester area, but her request was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, rival chain Asda stated it was interested in providing Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to Waitrose's U-turn, the parent said: "We are going to consider the offer and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having further discussions with the supermarket."

'Looking into the matter'

A representative for the supermarket chain stated: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are seeking support from his loved ones and the charity to make this happen."

"We expect to see him back with us shortly."

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

"Consequently, we warmly welcomed Tom and his support worker into our Manchester location to gain experience and develop his abilities."

"We have procedures in place to enable community service, and are reviewing the situation in Tom's situation."

Tom's mother explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how individuals had answered to her discussing her son's experiences.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his work ethic by supervisors.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his effort exclusively because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and have an impact," said his mum.

Frances praised and thanked employees at the local supermarket for assisting him, stating: "They included him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I feel he was just under the radar - everything was working well until it went to head office."

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

He wrote on online platforms that Tom had received "truly terrible" management and promised to "help him to secure alternative employment that functions".

The mayor stated the regional organization "actively promotes all employers - like Waitrose - to sign up to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

Speaking with Tom's mother, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the elected official commented: "Good on you for raising awareness because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

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