An individual with autism, who had been volunteering at Waitrose for four years, has been offered a paid position at the supermarket chain following his departure. Tom Boyd, 27, had been dedicating two mornings a week to work experience at the Cheadle Hulme store in Manchester, accumulating over 600 hours of voluntary service. However, he was let go when his family inquired about compensation for his time.
After Tom’s mother, Frances, criticized Waitrose on social media, his story gained widespread attention, leading to an offer for paid employment from Asda. Frances expressed her gratitude for the support and flexibility extended by Asda, offering Tom two five-hour paid shifts weekly.
Waitrose responded by expressing their intention to provide Tom with permanent employment in the near future. A spokesperson for Waitrose emphasized their commitment to assisting individuals who may face barriers to employment, stating that they are investigating the circumstances surrounding Tom’s situation and working towards his return in a paid role.
Frances shared that Tom initially volunteered at Waitrose out of a desire to contribute and feel a sense of belonging. When the family requested paid work for Tom, Waitrose initially appeared open to the idea but later indicated that he could not fulfill the full job requirements. Frances described the response as dismissive and cold, prompting her to advocate for improved employment protection for disabled volunteers.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Frances highlighted Tom’s enjoyment of his work at Waitrose and expressed hope that his case would lead to better opportunities for disabled volunteers in the future. She recounted the progression of Tom’s involvement at the store, from a college placement to increased hours, and the disappointment of their paid work request being unresolved by Waitrose.
Despite the challenges faced at Waitrose, Tom’s story has now taken a positive turn with the opportunity for paid employment at Asda, reflecting a new chapter for him in the workforce.