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The supermarket has overturned its ruling not to provide a paying position to an autistic man after previously stating he had to stop working at the location where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

During the summer, Frances Boyd inquired whether her family member Tom Boyd could be provided a position at the supermarket in Cheadle Hulme, but her request was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, alternative retailer the grocery chain announced it was interested in providing Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Reacting to Waitrose's U-turn, the parent stated: "We are going to consider the offer and determine 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 Waitrose commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in paid employment, and are seeking support from his family and the non-profit to make this happen."

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

"We care deeply about supporting individuals into the workplace who might otherwise not be offered opportunities."

"As such, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our local store to learn the ropes and build his confidence."

"We have procedures in place to support community service, and are examining what's happened in this case."

Frances explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how the public had responded to her sharing her family's story.

The young man, who has specific communication needs, was recognized for his work ethic by supervisors.

"He donated extensive time of his energy solely because he desired community connection, contribute, and create value," said his mum.

Tom's mother praised and thanked employees at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, stating: "They included him and were absolutely brilliant."

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

Both individuals have been endorsed by regional leader the public figure.

He posted on social media that Tom had received "truly terrible" treatment and promised to "help him to find another placement that succeeds".

The official declared the local government body "strongly urges every business - including Waitrose - to register to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Speaking with Frances, who shared information of the employment opportunity on media outlets, the public figure stated: "Well done for raising awareness because we must have a significant public information effort here."

She accepted his invitation to serve as a representative for the program.