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Waitrose has reversed its ruling not to grant paid work to an individual with autism after originally indicating he had to cease volunteering at the branch where he had volunteered for several years.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother asked whether her family member her son could be given a position at the retail establishment in Greater Manchester, but her application was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, rival chain the grocery chain stated it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its local branch.

Responding to the supermarket's reversal, the parent stated: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to return... and are having additional conversations with Waitrose."

'Looking into the matter'

A official for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the non-profit to do so."

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

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

"As such, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our local store to gain experience and develop his abilities."

"We have policies in place to enable community service, and are reviewing the situation in this case."

The parent said she had been "overwhelmed" by how people had reacted to her sharing her son's experiences.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his work ethic by store leadership.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his energy exclusively because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and have an impact," said his mum.

Frances commended and appreciated staff at the local supermarket for helping him, adding: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

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

Both individuals have been backed by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.

He wrote on social media that Tom had received "deeply concerning" management and committed to "support him to secure alternative employment that functions".

The official stated the local government body "would encourage each company - such as Waitrose - to participate to our newly established diversity program".

Speaking with Tom's mother, who broke the news of the alternative position on BBC Radio Manchester, the elected official stated: "Congratulations for highlighting the issue because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

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