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Waitrose has changed its decision not to grant paid work to an autistic man after initially saying he had to cease stacking shelves at the branch where he had donated his time for an extended period.

Earlier this year, Frances Boyd requested whether her family member her son could be provided a employment opportunity at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her request was ultimately declined by Waitrose head office.

On Thursday, competing supermarket Asda said it wanted to offer Tom compensated work at its Manchester location.

Addressing the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother said: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in Tom's best interests to go back... and are having additional conversations with the supermarket."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A representative for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are working closely from his family and the charity to make this happen."

"We hope to see him back with us in the near future."

"We place great importance about helping workers into the employment who might typically not be offered opportunities."

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

"We have policies in place to support unpaid work, and are reviewing the situation in Tom's situation."

Frances said she had been "deeply moved" by how the public had answered to her sharing her child's situation.

The young man, who has challenges with communication, was commended for his work ethic by managers.

"He contributed extensive time of his time solely because he desired community connection, make a difference, and make a difference," commented his mum.

The parent praised and thanked team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for helping him, adding: "They included him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I feel he was just not sufficiently noticed - everything was working well until it became a headquarters matter."

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

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

The official declared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "actively promotes each company - including Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

Discussing with Tom's mother, who shared information of the alternative position on media outlets, the public figure stated: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we require a significant public information effort here."

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