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Waitrose has reversed its determination not to offer paid work to an autistic man after initially saying he had to stop working at the location where he had donated his time for several years.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent asked whether her 28-year-old son the individual could be given a job at the supermarket in Cheadle Hulme, but her application was finally turned down by the supermarket's headquarters.

This week, rival chain the grocery chain announced it wanted to offer Tom paid shifts at its Cheadle Hulme store.

Addressing Waitrose's U-turn, 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 additional conversations with Waitrose."

'We are investigating'

A official for Waitrose said: "We'd like to have Tom return, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his family and the charity to do so."

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

"We are committed about assisting people into the job market who might usually not be given a chance."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our Manchester location to build skills and build his confidence."

"We have procedures in place to support community service, and are investigating the situation in Tom's situation."

Frances explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had reacted to her sharing her son's experiences.

Tom, who has limited communication skills, was recognized for his work ethic by store leadership.

"He contributed extensive time of his time exclusively because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and create value," stated his parent.

Frances commended and appreciated staff at Waitrose's Cheadle Hulme store for supporting him, adding: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I think he was just not sufficiently noticed - operations were proceeding normally until it reached corporate level."

Both individuals have been backed by Greater Manchester mayor the mayor.

He wrote on social media that Tom had received "truly terrible" treatment and committed to "support him to find another placement that succeeds".

Burnham said the local government body "actively promotes all employers - like Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Speaking with the parent, who broke the news of the employment opportunity on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor said: "Good on you for raising awareness because we must have a significant public information effort here."

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