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The supermarket has changed its decision not to offer a paying position to an individual with autism after previously stating he had to discontinue volunteering at the branch where he had worked unpaid for four years.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother inquired whether her adult child her son could be offered a employment opportunity at the grocery store in Cheadle Hulme, but her request was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

Recently, rival chain the grocery chain announced it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Reacting to the company's change of position, the parent commented: "We are going to consider the offer and determine whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having ongoing talks with the company."

'Looking into the matter'

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

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

"We place great importance about supporting people into the job market who might typically not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we warmly welcomed Tom and his support worker into our local store to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

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

The parent stated she had been "deeply moved" by how the public had answered to her sharing her family's story.

The young man, who has specific communication needs, was commended for his work ethic by store leadership.

"He donated over 600 hours of his effort purely because he sought inclusion, make a difference, and have an impact," commented his mother.

The parent commended and appreciated staff at the local supermarket for assisting him, adding: "They included him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I think he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it reached corporate level."

The family have been supported by local official the mayor.

He wrote on online platforms that Tom had received "truly terrible" treatment and committed to "support him to secure alternative employment that works".

The mayor declared the regional organization "actively promotes all employers - including Waitrose - to sign up to our brand new inclusion initiative".

Speaking with Tom's mother, who shared information of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the elected official said: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we need a major education initiative here."

She accepted his invitation to serve as a representative for the initiative.