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The supermarket has reversed its ruling not to provide compensated employment to an individual with autism after originally indicating he had to stop volunteering at the location where he had donated his time for four years.

During the summer, 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 request was finally turned down by Waitrose head office.

On Thursday, alternative retailer the grocery chain said it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its local branch.

Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, Frances stated: "We are going to consider the offer and determine whether it is in Tom's best interests to go back... and are having additional conversations with the supermarket."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A representative for the retailer commented: "We'd like to have Tom return, in a paying position, and are working closely from his relatives and the support organization to facilitate this."

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

"We care deeply about assisting workers into the workplace who might otherwise not be given a chance."

"Therefore, we warmly welcomed Tom and his helper into our Manchester location to build skills and develop his abilities."

"We have policies in place to support volunteering, and are investigating the situation in this instance."

The parent said she had been "overwhelmed" by how individuals had responded to her sharing her son's experiences.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was commended for his dedication by managers.

"He contributed extensive time of his effort solely because he desired community connection, be helpful, and make a difference," stated his parent.

The parent praised and thanked staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, noting: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

"I believe he was just not sufficiently noticed - operations were proceeding normally until it reached corporate level."

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

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

The official stated the regional organization "would encourage every business - including Waitrose - to participate to our newly established diversity program".

Conversing with the parent, who broke the news of the employment opportunity on media outlets, the Labour mayor commented: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we require a significant public information effort here."

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