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Waitrose has reversed its determination not to provide compensated employment to an autistic man after initially saying he had to stop stacking shelves at the store where he had volunteered for an extended period.

During the summer, the young man's parent requested whether her family member Tom Boyd could be given a employment opportunity at the supermarket in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, rival chain the grocery chain announced it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its Manchester location.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother stated: "We are going to evaluate the situation and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to resume working... and are having further discussions with the supermarket."

'We are investigating'

A representative for Waitrose said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in paid employment, and are working closely from his relatives and the non-profit to make this happen."

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

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

"Therefore, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to build skills and develop his abilities."

"We have guidelines in place to enable unpaid work, and are examining the circumstances in Tom's situation."

The parent stated she had been "deeply moved" by how people had answered to her sharing her son's experiences.

The individual, who has specific communication needs, was commended for his commitment by supervisors.

"He donated over 600 hours of his time exclusively because he wanted to belong, contribute, and create value," commented his mother.

Tom's mother praised and thanked employees at the Manchester branch for assisting him, stating: "They included him and were wonderfully accommodating."

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

Both individuals have been supported by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.

He stated on social media that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" management and committed to "assist him to identify different opportunities that functions".

The official said the local government body "actively promotes all employers - including Waitrose - to register to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Speaking with Frances, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the Labour mayor said: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we must have a major education initiative here."

She accepted his offer to become an advocate for the initiative.