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The grocery retailer has overturned its determination not to provide a paying position to an autistic man after initially saying he had to cease volunteering at the location where he had volunteered for an extended period.

Earlier this year, Frances Boyd inquired whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be given a employment opportunity at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her request was ultimately declined by Waitrose head office.

Recently, alternative retailer Asda announced it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Responding to the company's change of position, the parent commented: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in what's best for our son to resume working... and are having ongoing talks with the supermarket."

'We are investigating'

A representative for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the charity to make this happen."

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

"We are committed about assisting individuals into the job market who might typically not be provided employment."

"As such, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our Manchester location to gain experience and develop his abilities."

"We have policies in place to support volunteering, and are reviewing the circumstances in this case."

Frances said she had been "deeply moved" by how the public had responded to her discussing her family's story.

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

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his energy purely because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and have an impact," stated his mum.

Frances recognized and acknowledged staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, stating: "They made him part of the team and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I believe he was just not sufficiently noticed - operations were proceeding normally until it reached corporate level."

Both individuals have been supported by regional leader Andy Burnham.

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "deeply concerning" management and vowed to "assist him to identify different opportunities that works".

The mayor stated the regional organization "strongly urges every business - such as Waitrose - to participate to our newly established diversity program".

Discussing with the parent, who broke the news of the employment opportunity on media outlets, the Labour mayor stated: "Good on you for raising awareness because we need a major education initiative here."

She accepted his offer to act as a spokesperson for the program.