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Waitrose has changed its determination not to provide paid work to an individual with autism after originally indicating he had to cease volunteering at the store where he had worked unpaid for several years.

Earlier this year, Frances Boyd inquired whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be offered a job at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her proposal was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, alternative retailer the grocery chain stated it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

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

'We are investigating'

A official for the retailer said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are seeking support from his loved ones and the charity to make this happen."

"We expect to have him return with us very soon."

"We are committed about supporting individuals into the employment who might usually not be provided employment."

"Therefore, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our local store to learn the ropes and enhance his self-assurance."

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

The parent said she had been "profoundly affected" by how individuals had reacted to her sharing her family's story.

The individual, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his dedication by store leadership.

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his energy purely because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and create value," stated his mum.

The parent recognized and acknowledged staff at the local supermarket for assisting him, noting: "They included him and were absolutely brilliant."

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

Tom and his mum have been supported by Greater Manchester mayor the mayor.

He wrote on X that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" management and vowed to "help him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

The official stated the local government body "would encourage all employers - such as Waitrose - to register to our newly established Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Conversing with Frances, who broke the news of the alternative position on media outlets, the Labour mayor stated: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

She accepted his invitation to act as a spokesperson for the initiative.