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The supermarket has reversed its determination not to offer paid work to an autistic man after previously stating he had to discontinue working at the branch where he had donated his time for several years.

Earlier this year, the young man's parent asked whether her 28-year-old son Tom Boyd could be offered a position at the grocery store in the Manchester area, but her proposal was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, competing supermarket Asda said it sought to give Tom employment hours at its Cheadle Hulme store.

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

'We are investigating'

A spokesman for the retailer said: "We'd like to have Tom return, in compensated work, and are requesting assistance from his family and the support organization to do so."

"We expect to have him return with us very soon."

"We care deeply about helping individuals into the job market who might usually not be offered opportunities."

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

"We have policies in place to enable volunteering, and are reviewing the situation in this instance."

Frances said she had been "overwhelmed" by how people had reacted to her sharing her child's situation.

The individual, who has limited communication skills, was recognized for his work ethic by managers.

"He gave over 600 hours of his time exclusively because he sought inclusion, be helpful, and create value," said his mum.

Tom's mother recognized and acknowledged staff at the Manchester branch for supporting him, stating: "They made him part of the team and were exceptionally supportive."

"I believe he was just not sufficiently noticed - all was running smoothly until it reached corporate level."

Both individuals have been supported by local official the public figure.

He wrote on online platforms that Tom had received "truly terrible" handling and committed to "support him to identify different opportunities that succeeds".

Burnham said the local government body "would encourage each company - such as Waitrose - to participate to our recently launched diversity program".

Conversing with Frances, who announced of the employment opportunity on local radio, the elected official stated: "Good on you for raising awareness because we must have a major education initiative here."

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