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The supermarket has reversed its ruling not to provide a paying position to an individual with autism after initially saying he had to stop stacking shelves at the location where he had worked unpaid for four years.

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

Recently, rival chain Asda said it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its local branch.

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

'Conducting an inquiry'

A official for the retailer stated: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in paid employment, and are seeking support from his family and the charity to do so."

"We anticipate to see him back with us shortly."

"We place great importance about supporting workers into the workplace who might otherwise not be offered opportunities."

"As such, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to build skills and develop his abilities."

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

Tom's mother explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how the public had responded to her talking about her family's story.

The individual, who has specific communication needs, was praised for his work ethic by managers.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his time solely because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and make a difference," stated his mum.

Frances commended and appreciated employees at the Manchester branch for helping him, adding: "They included him and were wonderfully accommodating."

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

The family have been backed by regional leader the mayor.

He wrote on social media that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and promised to "support him to secure alternative employment that functions".

The official stated the regional organization "actively promotes every business - like Waitrose - to participate to our newly established diversity program".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who shared information of the employment opportunity on media outlets, the Labour mayor commented: "Well done for raising awareness because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

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