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The supermarket has overturned its decision not to grant paid work to an individual with autism after originally indicating he had to cease stacking shelves at the store where he had worked unpaid for an extended period.

In July, Tom's mother requested whether her adult child the individual could be provided a job at the supermarket in the Manchester area, but her request was eventually rejected by the company's corporate office.

Recently, rival chain the grocery chain announced it sought to give Tom paid shifts at its local branch.

Reacting to the company's change of position, the parent said: "We are going to evaluate the situation and decide whether it is in the optimal outcome for Tom to return... and are having further discussions with the supermarket."

'We are investigating'

A representative for the supermarket chain stated: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in compensated work, and are working closely from his loved ones and the non-profit to do so."

"We expect to see him back with us shortly."

"We are committed about assisting individuals into the employment who might typically not be given a chance."

"As such, we warmly welcomed Tom and his care assistant into our Manchester location to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

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

Tom's mother said she had been "profoundly affected" by how individuals had responded to her discussing her family's story.

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

"He gave over 600 hours of his time purely because he wanted to belong, make a difference, and create value," said his parent.

The parent praised and thanked employees at the Manchester branch for assisting him, adding: "They made him part of the team and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I believe he was just not sufficiently noticed - operations were proceeding normally until it went to head office."

The family have been supported by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.

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

The mayor said the Greater Manchester Combined Authority "would encourage each company - like Waitrose - to sign up to our recently launched Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who broke the news of Tom's Asda job offer on BBC Radio Manchester, the Labour mayor commented: "Well done for bringing attention because we require a significant public information effort here."

She accepted his offer to serve as a representative for the initiative.