An individual with autism, who had been volunteering at Waitrose for four years, was recently offered a paid position by the supermarket chain after being let go. Tom Boyd, 27, dedicated over 600 hours of his time to work experience at the Cheadle Hulme store in Manchester, assisting with shelf-stacking and stock management. When his family inquired about compensation for his efforts, Waitrose terminated his volunteer role.
Following a social media post by his mother Frances criticizing Waitrose, Tom was promptly offered a paid job at Asda. Frances expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support and the opportunity provided by Asda, stating that they have offered Tom two five-hour paid shifts per week, with flexibility and understanding for his needs.
Waitrose responded by expressing their intention to offer Tom permanent paid employment soon. A spokesperson emphasized Waitrose’s commitment to assisting individuals who may face barriers to employment, highlighting their willingness to welcome Tom back in a paid capacity and investigate the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Frances shared that Tom initially volunteered at Waitrose out of a desire to contribute and belong, gradually increasing his hours as he gained confidence and skills. Despite initial hopes for paid work, Waitrose ultimately declined, citing concerns about Tom’s ability to fulfill the full role. Frances criticized Waitrose’s response as dismissive and cold, leading her to seek alternative opportunities for Tom’s employment.
Frances hopes that shedding light on Tom’s situation will advocate for better employment protections for disabled volunteers. She highlighted the positive impact work had on Tom’s sense of belonging and routine, underscoring the importance of inclusive employment practices.