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Waitrose has overturned its ruling not to provide compensated employment to an autistic man after previously stating he had to cease stacking shelves at the branch where he had donated his time for several years.

During the summer, Frances Boyd asked whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be offered a employment opportunity at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her request was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, competing supermarket the grocery chain said it was interested in providing Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to the supermarket's reversal, Frances commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to resume working... and are having additional conversations with the company."

'We are investigating'

A representative for the retailer said: "We'd like to have Tom return, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his family and the support organization to do so."

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

"We place great importance about assisting people into the workplace who might usually not be given a chance."

"As such, we warmly welcomed Tom and his support worker into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have procedures in place to support community service, and are examining the circumstances in this instance."

Tom's mother said she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had reacted to her discussing her son's experiences.

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

"He donated over 600 hours of his energy solely because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and create value," commented his mum.

Tom's mother recognized and acknowledged staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, adding: "They included him and were exceptionally supportive."

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

Tom and his mum have been endorsed by local official Andy Burnham.

He posted on X that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and promised to "support him to find another placement that works".

Burnham stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage every business - such as Waitrose - to sign up to our brand new diversity program".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who shared information of the employment opportunity on media outlets, the Labour mayor said: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we require a huge awareness campaign here."

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