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Waitrose has changed its determination not to provide a paying position to an individual with autism after initially saying he had to discontinue working at the store where he had volunteered for several years.

In July, the young man's parent asked whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be given a position at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her proposal was eventually rejected by Waitrose head office.

On Thursday, competing supermarket the grocery chain announced it sought to give Tom employment hours at its Manchester location.

Responding to Waitrose's U-turn, Tom's mother stated: "We are going to think about it and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to resume working... and are having ongoing talks with the supermarket."

'We are investigating'

A official for the supermarket chain said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his family and the support organization to make this happen."

"We anticipate to welcome him again with us shortly."

"We place great importance about supporting individuals into the workplace who might usually not be provided employment."

"Consequently, we warmly welcomed Tom and his helper into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and build his confidence."

"We have policies in place to support unpaid work, and are reviewing the circumstances in Tom's situation."

The parent said she had been "overwhelmed" by how people had answered to her talking about her family's story.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was commended for his commitment by supervisors.

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his effort purely because he wanted to belong, contribute, and have an impact," commented his parent.

Frances praised and thanked employees at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, noting: "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 endorsed by Greater Manchester mayor the public figure.

He posted on online platforms that Tom had received "truly terrible" management and vowed to "assist him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

The mayor declared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage every business - like Waitrose - to register to our brand new diversity program".

Discussing with Frances, who announced of the employment opportunity on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor stated: "Well done for bringing attention because we need a huge awareness campaign here."

She consented to his offer to become an advocate for the campaign.