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The supermarket has reversed its determination not to grant a paying position to an individual with autism after previously stating he had to discontinue volunteering at the store where he had volunteered for an extended period.

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

Recently, competing supermarket the grocery chain stated it was interested in providing Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother stated: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to go back... and are having further discussions with the company."

'We are investigating'

A spokesman for the supermarket chain stated: "We'd like to have Tom return, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his family and the support organization to do so."

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

"We are committed about supporting people into the job market who might typically not be given a chance."

"As such, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and develop his abilities."

"We have procedures in place to support volunteering, and are investigating the circumstances in this case."

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

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

"He gave extensive time of his effort purely because he sought inclusion, contribute, and have an impact," said his mum.

Frances praised and thanked staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, noting: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

"I think he was just flying under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it went to head office."

Tom and his mum have been supported by regional leader the mayor.

He posted on social media that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and vowed to "help him to find another placement that works".

Burnham said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage each company - such as Waitrose - to sign up to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Discussing with Frances, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the Labour mayor stated: "Well done for raising awareness because we need a major education initiative here."

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