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Waitrose has reversed its decision not to provide a paying position to an individual with autism after initially saying he had to cease working at the location where he had volunteered for four years.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother requested whether her 28-year-old son the individual could be offered a job at the supermarket in Cheadle Hulme, but her proposal was eventually rejected by the company's corporate office.

Recently, rival chain the grocery chain said it wanted to offer Tom employment hours at its Manchester location.

Responding to the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother commented: "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."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A official for the retailer said: "We'd like to have Tom return, in paid employment, and are working closely from his loved ones and the support organization to facilitate this."

"We expect to have him return with us shortly."

"We are committed about supporting workers into the workplace who might usually not be offered opportunities."

"Consequently, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and develop his abilities."

"We have policies in place to facilitate volunteering, and are examining what's happened in this case."

Tom's mother said she had been "profoundly affected" by how individuals had reacted to her discussing her child's situation.

The individual, who has challenges with communication, was commended for his dedication by store leadership.

"He gave extensive time of his energy purely because he sought inclusion, be helpful, and have an impact," said his mother.

Tom's mother recognized and acknowledged team members at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for assisting him, stating: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

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

The family have been supported by local official Andy Burnham.

He stated on social media that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" treatment and vowed to "assist him to identify different opportunities that works".

The official declared the regional organization "would encourage each company - including Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched inclusion initiative".

Speaking with Tom's mother, who shared information of Tom's Asda job offer on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor stated: "Good on you for highlighting the issue because we must have a major education initiative here."

She accepted his proposal to serve as a representative for the program.