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Waitrose has changed its ruling not to offer paid work to an autistic man after originally indicating he had to discontinue stacking shelves at the location where he had volunteered for several years.

During the summer, the young man's parent asked whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be given a job at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her request was finally turned down by Waitrose head office.

On Thursday, competing supermarket the grocery chain stated it sought to give Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing the company's change of position, the parent commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and choose whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having further discussions with the company."

'We are investigating'

A representative for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his relatives and the charity to facilitate this."

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

"We place great importance about helping people into the workplace who might otherwise not be offered opportunities."

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

"We have policies in place to facilitate unpaid work, and are examining what's happened in Tom's situation."

Tom's mother explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how the public had reacted to her sharing her child's situation.

The young man, who has specific communication needs, was commended for his dedication by managers.

"He donated extensive time of his effort solely because he sought inclusion, contribute, and create value," said his mum.

Tom's mother praised and thanked team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for assisting him, noting: "They welcomed him and were absolutely brilliant."

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

Tom and his mum have been endorsed by local official the mayor.

He wrote on X that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" handling and committed to "support him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

The official stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage every business - like Waitrose - to sign up to our recently launched Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Conversing with the parent, who broke the news of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the public figure stated: "Well done for raising awareness because we require a significant public information effort here."

She agreed to his offer to act as a spokesperson for the campaign.