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Waitrose has reversed its determination not to grant compensated employment to an individual with autism after originally indicating he had to stop stacking shelves at the location where he had volunteered for four years.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother asked whether her adult child the individual could be provided a job at the grocery store in the Manchester area, but her application was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

Recently, alternative retailer Asda stated it was interested in providing Tom employment hours at its Manchester location.

Responding to the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother said: "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 official for the supermarket chain stated: "We'd like to have Tom return, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the charity to make this happen."

"We hope to welcome him again with us shortly."

"We place great importance about helping individuals into the workplace who might usually not be provided employment."

"As such, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our local store to build skills and build his confidence."

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

Tom's mother explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had answered to her discussing her family's story.

The young man, who has specific communication needs, was recognized for his commitment by managers.

"He gave extensive time of his time solely because he desired community connection, contribute, and make a difference," commented his parent.

Frances recognized and acknowledged staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for assisting him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

"I feel he was just under the radar - everything was working well until it became a headquarters matter."

Tom and his mum have been supported by local official the public figure.

He stated on social media that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and vowed to "assist him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

The official said the local government body "would encourage every business - including Waitrose - to participate to our newly established Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Speaking with Tom's mother, who broke the news of Tom's Asda job offer on BBC Radio Manchester, the elected official commented: "Good on you for bringing attention because we need a major education initiative here."

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