An individual with autism, who dedicated four years of unpaid work at a Waitrose store, has been offered a paid position by the supermarket chain following his departure to Asda.
Tom Boyd, 27, undertook work experience twice a week at the Cheadle Hulme branch in Manchester, accumulating over 600 hours of service since 2021. Despite his consistent efforts in tasks like shelf-stacking and stock handling, he was released when his family inquired about compensation for his long-term commitment.
After Tom’s mother, Frances, publicly criticized Waitrose, the story gained traction, leading to Asda extending a paid opportunity to Tom.
Frances expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support received and the offer of two paid shifts per week at Asda for her son. She highlighted the flexibility and understanding shown by Asda towards Tom’s needs, emphasizing the positive impact of such inclusivity.
Waitrose responded by expressing their intention to offer Tom permanent employment soon, acknowledging the situation and aiming to rectify it positively.
Frances shared that Tom initially volunteered at Waitrose out of a desire to contribute and belong. Despite their hopes for paid work, Waitrose allegedly declined, citing his inability to fulfill the full role. Frances described the rejection as dismissive and cold, prompting her to raise the issue on social media.
In an interview with BBC Breakfast, Frances advocated for improved employment protection for disabled volunteers, citing Tom’s passion for his work and the positive impact it had on him.
Despite initial hopeful signs from Waitrose, delays ensued, leading to the termination of Tom’s placement once the head office intervened. Frances recounted fabricating a story about the store closure to manage the situation temporarily.
The ongoing developments highlight the importance of inclusive employment practices and the need for greater support for individuals with disabilities in the workforce.