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Waitrose has reversed its decision not to grant a paying position to an individual with autism after initially saying he had to stop working at the store where he had volunteered for four years.

Earlier this year, Frances Boyd asked whether her family member Tom Boyd could be offered a job at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her proposal was ultimately declined by Waitrose head office.

On Thursday, rival chain the grocery chain stated it was interested in providing Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing the supermarket's reversal, Frances said: "We are going to think about it and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having ongoing talks with the company."

'We are investigating'

A official for the retailer commented: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the support organization to do so."

"We hope to see him back with us very soon."

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

"As such, we gladly accepted Tom and his helper into our Manchester location to learn the ropes and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have guidelines in place to enable unpaid work, and are examining what's happened in this instance."

Tom's mother explained she had been "deeply moved" by how the public had responded to her discussing her child's situation.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his commitment by store leadership.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his energy exclusively because he sought inclusion, be helpful, and have an impact," stated his mother.

The parent praised and thanked team members at the Manchester branch for helping him, noting: "They included him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I feel he was just not sufficiently noticed - operations were proceeding normally until it became a headquarters matter."

The family have been supported by regional leader the public figure.

He posted on X that Tom had received "deeply concerning" management and vowed to "assist him to secure alternative employment that works".

Burnham stated the regional organization "strongly urges all employers - like Waitrose - to register to our newly established Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who announced of the alternative position on media outlets, the public figure said: "Well done for bringing attention because we need a major education initiative here."

She agreed to his proposal to become an advocate for the program.