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Waitrose has overturned its decision not to offer a paying position to an individual with autism after previously stating he had to stop stacking shelves at the branch where he had worked unpaid for four years.

During the summer, Tom's mother requested whether her adult child the individual could be provided a job at the grocery store in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was ultimately declined by Waitrose head office.

This week, alternative retailer Asda stated it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its local branch.

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

'We are investigating'

A official for the supermarket chain commented: "We'd like to have Tom return, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his loved ones and the charity to facilitate this."

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

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

"Therefore, we warmly welcomed Tom and his support worker into our local store to gain experience and build his confidence."

"We have guidelines in place to support volunteering, and are reviewing the situation in this instance."

Tom's mother stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how the public had reacted to her talking about her child's situation.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was commended for his work ethic by supervisors.

"He gave more than six hundred hours of his energy purely because he desired community connection, contribute, and create value," stated his mother.

The parent commended and appreciated team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, adding: "They included him and were absolutely brilliant."

"I think he was just flying under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it reached corporate level."

Tom and his mum have been endorsed by local official Andy Burnham.

He posted on X that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and committed to "help him to identify different opportunities that works".

The mayor said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage every business - like Waitrose - to register to our newly established inclusion initiative".

Speaking with Tom's mother, who announced of the employment opportunity on BBC Radio Manchester, the public figure said: "Well done for raising awareness because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

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