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Waitrose has reversed its determination not to provide compensated employment to an individual with autism after previously stating he had to cease volunteering at the store where he had donated his time for four years.

During the summer, Tom's mother inquired whether her family member Tom Boyd could be provided a job at the supermarket in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, alternative retailer the grocery chain announced it was interested in providing Tom employment hours at its local branch.

Reacting to the company's change of position, Tom's mother stated: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having ongoing talks with the company."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A official for the supermarket chain stated: "We'd like to have Tom return, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his relatives and the charity to facilitate this."

"We expect to have him return with us shortly."

"We care deeply about helping individuals into the employment who might otherwise not be given a chance."

"As such, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and build his confidence."

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

The parent stated she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had answered to her discussing her family's story.

The individual, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his commitment by supervisors.

"He gave over 600 hours of his time purely because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and create value," stated his mum.

Tom's mother commended and appreciated employees at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for assisting him, stating: "They welcomed him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I think he was just not sufficiently noticed - operations were proceeding normally until it went to head office."

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

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and committed to "support him to find another placement that works".

Burnham said the local government body "actively promotes every business - like Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

Speaking with the parent, who announced of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the public figure said: "Well done for highlighting the issue because we need a huge awareness campaign here."

She accepted his offer to serve as a representative for the campaign.