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The grocery retailer has overturned its determination not to grant paid work to an individual with autism after previously stating he had to cease volunteering at the store where he had volunteered for four years.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother inquired whether her family member the individual could be given a employment opportunity at the grocery store in the Manchester area, but her request was ultimately declined by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, rival chain the grocery chain said it was interested in providing Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Responding to the company's change of position, Frances commented: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to go back... and are having additional conversations with the company."

'Looking into the matter'

A spokesman for the retailer said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the non-profit to facilitate this."

"We hope to see him back with us very soon."

"We place great importance about assisting workers into the workplace who might otherwise not be given a chance."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have guidelines in place to enable community service, and are reviewing what's happened in this case."

Frances said she had been "deeply moved" by how the public had reacted to her sharing her son's experiences.

The young man, who has specific communication needs, was commended for his commitment by supervisors.

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

Frances praised and thanked staff at the Manchester branch for assisting him, stating: "They welcomed him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I feel he was just not sufficiently noticed - everything was working well 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" management and promised to "help him to secure alternative employment that functions".

The official declared the regional organization "strongly urges each company - such as Waitrose - to participate to our newly established diversity program".

Discussing with the parent, who shared information of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the elected official commented: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we require a major education initiative here."

She agreed to his offer to serve as a representative for the program.