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Waitrose has overturned its decision not to provide a paying position to an autistic man after previously stating he had to cease stacking shelves at the location where he had worked unpaid for four years.

During the summer, Frances Boyd inquired whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be given a position at the retail establishment in the Manchester area, but her request was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, rival chain Asda said it wanted to offer Tom employment hours at its local branch.

Reacting to the company's change of position, the parent said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and determine whether it is in Tom's best interests to resume working... and are having further discussions with Waitrose."

'We are investigating'

A representative for Waitrose stated: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the non-profit to facilitate this."

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

"We care deeply about helping people into the workplace who might usually not be given a chance."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and build his confidence."

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

Frances explained she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had answered to her discussing her child's situation.

Tom, who has specific communication needs, was commended for his dedication by store leadership.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his energy solely because he wanted to belong, contribute, and create value," commented his parent.

The parent commended and appreciated staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for assisting him, stating: "They included him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I believe he was just under the radar - everything was working well until it went to head office."

The family have been supported by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.

He posted on X that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and vowed to "help him to secure alternative employment that functions".

The mayor stated the local government body "would encourage every business - such as Waitrose - to sign up to our brand new diversity program".

Discussing with Frances, who shared information of the employment opportunity on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor said: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we need a major education initiative here."

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