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The supermarket has changed its determination not to provide compensated employment to an autistic man after previously stating he had to cease working at the location where he had worked unpaid for four years.

In July, Frances Boyd inquired whether her family member her son could be given a employment opportunity at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her application was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, alternative retailer Asda announced it wanted to offer Tom compensated work at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, the parent commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to return... and are having further discussions with Waitrose."

'We are investigating'

A representative for the retailer commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his family and the charity to do so."

"We hope to see him back with us in the near future."

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

"Therefore, we enthusiastically received Tom and his helper into our local store to build skills and build his confidence."

"We have policies in place to enable volunteering, and are investigating what's happened in this case."

Frances said she had been "deeply moved" by how people had reacted to her sharing her son's experiences.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his work ethic by managers.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his time purely because he desired community connection, contribute, and make a difference," commented his parent.

Frances praised and thanked employees at the local supermarket for helping him, noting: "They welcomed him and were absolutely brilliant."

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

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

He wrote on social media that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and committed to "support him to find another placement that succeeds".

Burnham declared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage each company - like Waitrose - to participate to our newly established diversity program".

Conversing with the parent, who shared information of the alternative position on media outlets, the elected official commented: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we need a major education initiative here."

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