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The supermarket has reversed its ruling not to grant a paying position to an individual with autism after initially saying he had to cease stacking shelves at the store where he had donated his time for an extended period.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother requested whether her adult child the individual could be provided a position at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her request was eventually rejected by Waitrose head office.

This week, rival chain the grocery chain said it was interested in providing Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and determine whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to return... and are having ongoing talks with Waitrose."

'Looking into the matter'

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

"We hope to welcome him again with us very soon."

"We care deeply about supporting people into the employment who might usually not be given a chance."

"As such, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our Manchester location to gain experience and enhance his self-assurance."

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

Tom's mother said she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had reacted to her discussing her family's story.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was commended for his work ethic by supervisors.

"He gave extensive time of his effort exclusively because he sought inclusion, contribute, and create value," said his mum.

Tom's mother commended and appreciated staff at the local supermarket for supporting him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were absolutely brilliant."

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

The family have been endorsed by Greater Manchester mayor the public figure.

He posted on social media that Tom had received "truly terrible" management and promised to "assist him to secure alternative employment that functions".

The official declared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "strongly urges all employers - such as Waitrose - to sign up to our brand new inclusion initiative".

Speaking with the parent, who broke the news of the alternative position on local radio, the public figure stated: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we need a significant public information effort here."

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