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Waitrose has reversed its ruling not to grant a paying position to an autistic man after initially saying he had to discontinue volunteering at the branch where he had worked unpaid for four years.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent asked whether her family member her son could be given a position at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was ultimately declined by the supermarket's headquarters.

Recently, competing supermarket Asda stated it wanted to offer Tom compensated work at its Manchester location.

Addressing the company's change of position, Frances said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having further discussions with the company."

'Looking into the matter'

A spokesman for the supermarket chain said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are working closely from his family and the support organization to make this happen."

"We expect to have him return with us very soon."

"We are committed about helping individuals into the employment who might typically not be provided employment."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to build skills and develop his abilities."

"We have procedures in place to support volunteering, and are reviewing what's happened in this case."

Tom's mother explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had answered to her sharing her child's situation.

The individual, who has specific communication needs, was commended for his commitment by store leadership.

"He donated extensive time of his effort exclusively because he wanted to belong, contribute, and make a difference," commented his mum.

The parent praised and thanked team members at the local supermarket for assisting him, noting: "They included him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I think he was just under the radar - all was running smoothly until it went to head office."

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

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

The official declared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "actively promotes each company - such as Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched diversity program".

Speaking with Tom's mother, who shared information of the employment opportunity on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor said: "Well done for highlighting the issue because we need a major education initiative here."

She agreed to his proposal to serve as a representative for the campaign.