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Waitrose has changed its decision not to grant a paying position to an autistic man after initially saying he had to discontinue stacking shelves at the branch where he had volunteered for four years.

During the summer, the young man's parent asked whether her family member the individual could be offered a position at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her application was finally turned down by Waitrose head office.

On Thursday, rival chain the grocery chain announced it was interested in providing Tom compensated work at its Manchester location.

Addressing the supermarket's reversal, the parent stated: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having ongoing talks with the supermarket."

'Looking into the matter'

A official for the retailer commented: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are working closely from his relatives and the charity to make this happen."

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

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

"Therefore, we gladly accepted Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and develop his abilities."

"We have guidelines in place to enable unpaid work, and are reviewing the situation in this case."

Tom's mother stated she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had responded to her discussing her family's story.

Tom, who has limited communication skills, was praised for his commitment by store leadership.

"He gave extensive time of his effort solely because he sought inclusion, make a difference, and create value," commented his parent.

Frances praised and thanked staff at the local supermarket for supporting him, adding: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I believe he was just flying under the radar - everything was working well until it reached corporate level."

Tom and his mum have been backed by regional leader Andy Burnham.

He wrote on social media that Tom had received "truly terrible" treatment and promised to "help him to identify different opportunities that works".

Burnham stated the local government body "would encourage every business - including Waitrose - to register to our brand new inclusion initiative".

Conversing with Frances, who announced of the alternative position on media outlets, the Labour mayor said: "Well done for raising awareness because we must have a huge awareness campaign here."

She agreed to his invitation to become an advocate for the campaign.