An employee in the US with Down's syndrome has been reinstated at a popular fast food restaurant following widespread outrage at his dismissal.
Dennis Peek had been working at the fast food chain Wendy's in North Carolina for over 20 years when he was fired.
His sister, Cona Young Turner, said she was "heartbroken" with the decision and was told his dismissal was due to him being "unable to perform the duties of a normal person's job".
"They have no idea how they hurt my brother," Turner wrote on Facebook.
She said it was Peek's dream to retire from Wendy's someday and was looking forward to a huge party to celebrate the milestone.
"We may just give him that party and tell him he has retired because he does not understand being fired."
Turner said she is looking into whether the dismissal is covered under wrongful termination of a special needs employee.
People rallied in support of Peek, with over 5000 comments on the post - many of whom were outraged at Wendy's.
In an email to USA Today, Carolina Restaurant Group, the franchise which operates Wendy's Stanley, said Peel has been welcomed back to the restaurant.
"We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our employees and customers," the statement read. "This was a very unfortunate mistake and lapse in protocol.
"We are in touch with the employee's family, and we are looking forward to welcoming him back to work in the restaurant."
However, Peek will not be returning to work for Wendy's, instead getting the big party he'd always hoped for.
"He will be having his BIG RETIREMENT party that he has been wanting," Turner said.
She said Wendy's has offered to help with the expenses for Peek's "special day".
"I feel in my heart it is best for my brother not to return to Wendy's but to have that party he has been looking forward to and move forward."
Turner thanked everyone for the love and support they have shown her brother.