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The grocery retailer has reversed its decision not to grant paid work to an individual with autism after originally indicating he had to discontinue stacking shelves at the branch where he had volunteered for an extended period.

During the summer, Frances Boyd asked whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be given a employment opportunity at the grocery store in Greater Manchester, but her request was finally turned down by the company's corporate office.

On Thursday, alternative retailer Asda announced it wanted to offer Tom compensated work at its Manchester location.

Addressing the supermarket's reversal, Tom's mother stated: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to go back... and are having ongoing talks with the supermarket."

'We are investigating'

A representative for the supermarket chain said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in paid employment, and are requesting assistance from his relatives and the support organization to do so."

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

"We care deeply about supporting workers into the job market who might otherwise not be offered opportunities."

"Therefore, we enthusiastically received Tom and his care assistant into our local store to learn the ropes and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have policies in place to enable unpaid work, and are reviewing what's happened in this instance."

Tom's mother explained she had been "deeply moved" by how individuals had responded to her discussing her family's story.

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

"He donated more than six hundred hours of his energy exclusively because he sought inclusion, make a difference, and create value," stated his mum.

The parent recognized and acknowledged employees at the local supermarket for supporting him, stating: "They made him part of the team and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I think he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it became a headquarters matter."

The family have been backed by local official Andy Burnham.

He posted on online platforms that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" handling and promised to "assist him to secure alternative employment that succeeds".

The mayor said the regional organization "would encourage all employers - like Waitrose - to register to our newly established diversity program".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who broke the news of the alternative position on media outlets, the elected official said: "Congratulations for highlighting the issue because we require a major education initiative here."

She agreed to his invitation to act as a spokesperson for the program.