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Waitrose has reversed its ruling not to grant paid work to an individual with autism after previously stating he had to discontinue working at the branch where he had donated his time for four years.

During the summer, the young man's parent requested whether her family member the individual could be given a position at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her application was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

This week, competing supermarket Asda said it was interested in providing Tom employment hours at its local branch.

Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother said: "We are going to consider the offer and determine whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to go back... and are having further discussions with the company."

'We are investigating'

A representative for the retailer commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the non-profit to facilitate this."

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

"We are committed about helping workers into the job market who might usually not be given a chance."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our Manchester location to learn the ropes and develop his abilities."

"We have guidelines in place to support volunteering, and are examining the situation in Tom's situation."

Tom's mother stated she had been "overwhelmed" by how the public had responded to her sharing her child's situation.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his work ethic by supervisors.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his effort exclusively because he desired community connection, make a difference, and have an impact," stated his parent.

Frances recognized and acknowledged employees at the Manchester branch for supporting him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

"I think he was just not sufficiently noticed - everything was working well until it became a headquarters matter."

The family have been endorsed by regional leader the public figure.

He posted on X that Tom had received "deeply concerning" treatment and promised to "assist him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

The mayor declared the regional organization "actively promotes each company - such as Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Discussing with Tom's mother, who broke the news of the alternative position on local radio, the Labour mayor commented: "Well done for raising awareness because we require a major education initiative here."

She agreed to his offer to act as a spokesperson for the program.