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Waitrose has changed its ruling not to provide compensated employment to an autistic man after initially saying he had to stop stacking shelves at the store where he had donated his time for an extended period.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother asked whether her adult child the individual could be provided a position at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her application was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

Recently, competing supermarket Asda announced it wanted to offer Tom employment hours at its local branch.

Reacting to Waitrose's U-turn, Frances said: "We are going to consider the offer and choose whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having further discussions with the company."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A spokesman for Waitrose commented: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in a paying position, and are working closely from his family and the charity to facilitate this."

"We expect to have him return with us very soon."

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

"As such, we enthusiastically received Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to learn the ropes and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have procedures in place to facilitate volunteering, and are examining the circumstances in this instance."

Tom's mother stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how the public had responded to her talking about her family's story.

The young man, who has limited communication skills, was recognized for his dedication by supervisors.

"He donated extensive time of his time purely because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and create value," said his mother.

The parent commended and appreciated staff at the local supermarket for supporting him, adding: "They welcomed him and were exceptionally supportive."

"I think he was just under the radar - operations were proceeding normally until it became a headquarters matter."

Tom and his mum have been supported by Greater Manchester mayor the mayor.

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

The official said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage all employers - including Waitrose - to register to our brand new inclusion initiative".

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

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