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The supermarket has reversed its ruling not to grant compensated employment to an individual with autism after originally indicating he had to stop stacking shelves at the branch where he had worked unpaid for four years.

Earlier this year, Frances Boyd requested whether her 28-year-old son the individual could be offered a employment opportunity at the grocery store in the Manchester area, but her request was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

This week, competing supermarket Asda said it sought to give Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Reacting to the company's change of position, Frances said: "We are going to think about it and choose whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to go back... and are having ongoing talks with the company."

'We are investigating'

A representative for the retailer commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in a paying position, and are requesting assistance from his loved ones and the support organization to make this happen."

"We expect to see him back with us very soon."

"We place great importance about assisting individuals into the employment who might otherwise not be given a chance."

"As such, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our Cheadle Hulme branch to learn the ropes and develop his abilities."

"We have policies in place to support community service, and are reviewing what's happened in this instance."

Tom's mother explained she had been "deeply moved" by how people had reacted to her discussing her son's experiences.

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

"He contributed over 600 hours of his energy purely because he desired community connection, make a difference, and have an impact," said his mother.

Frances commended and appreciated team members at the local supermarket for supporting him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

"I feel he was just under the radar - all was running smoothly until it became a headquarters matter."

Both individuals have been endorsed by local official the public figure.

He stated on online platforms that Tom had received "deeply concerning" management and committed to "assist him to identify different opportunities that works".

Burnham said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage all employers - including Waitrose - to participate to our brand new Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who broke the news of Tom's Asda job offer on media outlets, the public figure stated: "Good on you for bringing attention because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

She accepted his proposal to become an advocate for the campaign.