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The supermarket has overturned its decision not to offer a paying position to an autistic man after originally indicating he had to stop stacking shelves at the location where he had volunteered for several years.

During the summer, Tom's mother requested whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be provided a employment opportunity at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her proposal was eventually rejected by Waitrose head office.

On Thursday, alternative retailer Asda said it wanted to offer Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing the company's change of position, the parent commented: "We are going to evaluate the situation and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to resume working... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'Looking into the matter'

A official for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are working closely from his family and the charity to facilitate this."

"We anticipate to have him return with us in the near future."

"We are committed about assisting workers into the workplace who might otherwise not be given a chance."

"As such, we enthusiastically received Tom and his helper into our local store to learn the ropes and build his confidence."

"We have procedures in place to enable volunteering, and are investigating the situation in Tom's situation."

Tom's mother said she had been "overwhelmed" by how people had reacted to her talking about her family's story.

The young man, who has limited communication skills, was commended for his commitment by supervisors.

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his effort solely because he desired community connection, be helpful, and create value," said his mother.

Tom's mother recognized and acknowledged team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, noting: "They included him and were absolutely brilliant."

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

Both individuals have been backed by regional leader Andy Burnham.

He wrote on social media that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" treatment and committed to "support him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

Burnham stated the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "actively promotes every business - like Waitrose - to register to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

Speaking with Frances, who shared information of the employment opportunity on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor stated: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we must have a major education initiative here."

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