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The supermarket has changed its determination not to grant paid work to an autistic man after originally indicating he had to discontinue working at the branch where he had volunteered for an extended period.

During the summer, the young man's parent asked whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be offered a position at the grocery store in Cheadle Hulme, but her proposal was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

This week, competing supermarket Asda said it sought to give Tom compensated work at its local branch.

Responding to the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother said: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in Tom's best interests to resume working... and are having additional conversations with the company."

'Looking into the matter'

A representative for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the charity to facilitate this."

"We expect to welcome him again with us very soon."

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

"Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his helper into our local store to learn the ropes and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have guidelines in place to facilitate unpaid work, and are investigating the situation in Tom's situation."

Frances stated she had been "overwhelmed" by how individuals had answered to her sharing her son's experiences.

The young man, who has specific communication needs, was praised for his commitment by store leadership.

"He gave extensive time of his effort solely because he desired community connection, make a difference, and create value," stated his parent.

Tom's mother recognized and acknowledged team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, stating: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

"I believe he was just flying under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it went to head office."

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

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "deeply concerning" handling and vowed to "support him to secure alternative employment that works".

The mayor said the local government body "strongly urges each company - such as Waitrose - to register to our brand new Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Speaking with Tom's mother, who broke the news of the employment opportunity on BBC Radio Manchester, the elected official said: "Well done for bringing attention because we require a major education initiative here."

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