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Waitrose has overturned its ruling not to provide paid work to an autistic man after originally indicating he had to stop volunteering at the store where he had donated his time for an extended period.

During the summer, Frances Boyd inquired whether her 28-year-old son her son could be given a position at the supermarket in Greater Manchester, but her application was eventually rejected by Waitrose head office.

On Thursday, alternative retailer Asda stated it was interested in providing Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother said: "We are going to consider the offer and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to resume working... and are having additional conversations with Waitrose."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A official for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the support organization to make this happen."

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

"We care deeply about assisting individuals into the workplace who might typically not be provided employment."

"As such, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to build skills and develop his abilities."

"We have policies in place to enable community service, and are reviewing the circumstances in this instance."

Frances stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had responded to her discussing her son's experiences.

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

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his energy purely because he sought inclusion, contribute, and create value," commented his mum.

Frances praised and thanked staff at the Manchester branch for supporting him, stating: "They included him and were absolutely brilliant."

"I think he was just flying under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it reached corporate level."

Tom and his mum have been backed by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "truly terrible" management and committed to "assist him to find another placement that succeeds".

Burnham said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage every business - including Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Conversing with the parent, who shared information of the employment opportunity on local radio, the Labour mayor commented: "Congratulations for highlighting the issue because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

She accepted his offer to become an advocate for the program.