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The grocery retailer has reversed its ruling not to provide compensated employment to an autistic man after originally indicating he had to discontinue working at the location where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent asked whether her adult child her son could be provided a position at the grocery store in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

This week, rival chain Asda stated it sought to give Tom compensated work at its local branch.

Reacting to the company's change of position, Frances commented: "We are going to think about it and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to go back... and are having additional conversations 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 seeking support from his loved ones and the support organization to make this happen."

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

"We are committed about supporting workers into the employment who might otherwise not be offered opportunities."

"As such, we warmly welcomed Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and develop his abilities."

"We have guidelines in place to support community service, and are investigating the circumstances in Tom's situation."

Tom's mother said she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had reacted to her discussing her child's situation.

The individual, who has specific communication needs, was praised for his work ethic by managers.

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his energy purely because he sought inclusion, be helpful, and create value," said his parent.

Frances commended and appreciated staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, stating: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I believe he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it became a headquarters matter."

Both individuals have been endorsed by local official Andy Burnham.

He stated on X that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and vowed to "assist him to secure alternative employment that succeeds".

Burnham declared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage each company - including Waitrose - to sign up to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

Speaking with Frances, who announced of the alternative position on media outlets, the Labour mayor stated: "Good on you for bringing attention because we must have a major education initiative here."

She accepted his invitation to serve as a representative for the program.