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The supermarket has changed its ruling not to grant a paying position to an autistic man after previously stating he had to stop working at the branch where he had volunteered for four years.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent requested whether her adult child the individual could be provided a job at the retail establishment in Greater Manchester, but her application was eventually rejected by Waitrose head office.

This week, alternative retailer Asda said it wanted to offer Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Reacting to the company's change of position, the parent commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in what's best for our son to return... and are having further discussions with the company."

'Looking into the matter'

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

"We anticipate to welcome him again with us in the near future."

"We place great importance about assisting people into the employment who might typically not be offered opportunities."

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

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

The parent said she had been "profoundly affected" by how individuals had reacted to her talking about her family's story.

The individual, who has challenges with communication, was commended for his commitment by managers.

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his time exclusively because he wanted to belong, contribute, and create value," said his parent.

The parent recognized and acknowledged employees at the Manchester branch for assisting him, noting: "They welcomed him and were exceptionally supportive."

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

Tom and his mum have been backed by regional leader Andy Burnham.

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "deeply concerning" treatment and vowed to "assist him to find another placement that functions".

The official stated the regional organization "would encourage every business - like Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Conversing with the parent, who broke the news of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the elected official commented: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we need a huge awareness campaign here."

She consented to his invitation to act as a spokesperson for the initiative.