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The supermarket has changed its ruling not to provide a paying position to an autistic man after previously stating he had to stop volunteering at the store where he had donated his time for several years.

Earlier this year, Tom's mother asked whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be given a employment opportunity at the retail establishment in the Manchester area, but her application was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

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

Responding to the supermarket's reversal, Frances stated: "We are going to consider the offer and decide whether it is in what's best for our son to go back... and are having ongoing talks with the company."

'Looking into the matter'

A official for the retailer stated: "We'd like to see Tom resume, in compensated work, and are seeking support from his loved ones and the support organization to do so."

"We hope to have him return with us shortly."

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

"Therefore, we gladly accepted Tom and his support worker into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have procedures in place to support community service, and are reviewing the situation in this case."

Tom's mother explained she had been "profoundly affected" by how people had answered to her talking about her son's experiences.

The young man, who has challenges with communication, was praised for his work ethic by store leadership.

"He contributed more than six hundred hours of his effort exclusively because he wanted to belong, be helpful, and have an impact," stated his parent.

The parent praised and thanked employees at the Manchester branch for supporting him, noting: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

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

The family have been backed by Greater Manchester mayor the mayor.

He posted on social media that Tom had received "completely unacceptable" treatment and vowed to "assist him to secure alternative employment that succeeds".

Burnham declared the regional organization "would encourage each company - like Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Discussing with Frances, who broke the news of Tom's Asda job offer on media outlets, the elected official commented: "Congratulations for bringing attention because we need a significant public information effort here."

She agreed to his offer to become an advocate for the initiative.