Waitrose backflips on decision over paid work for autistic worker after rival store stepped up

Waitrose has offered a new proposal to the autistic volunteer who was let go by a branch in Cheshire.

Tom Boyd, a 28-year-old autistic man, had an unpaid role at a Waitrose store in Cheadle Hulme for four years. Since 2021, he has completed more than 600 hours of unpaid labour with the help of a support worker.

But when his mum asked them in July if he could be given 'just a few paid hours', she was told that he could no longer work there.

Frances Boyd, who feels 'deeply let down', said her son's job gave him 'a sense of purpose and belonging', the BBC reports.

A spokesperson for Waitrose has since told LADbible they are 'investigating' the incident and would 'like to welcome Tom back, in paid employment'.

"As those familiar with Waitrose will know, we care deeply about helping people into the workplace who might otherwise not be given a chance," they said.

Tom Boyd, a 28-year-old autistic man, volunteered for four years at a Waitrose store in Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire before he was let go (Getty Stock Images)

"As such, we warmly welcomed Tom and his support worker into our Cheadle Hulme branch to gain experience and build his confidence.

"We have policies in place to support volunteering, and are investigating what’s happened in Tom’s situation.

"We’d like to welcome Tom back, in paid employment, and are seeking support from his family and the charity to do so. We hope to see him back with us very soon."

This week, Asda said it 'heard about Tom and his desire to find meaningful work' and had decided to offer him two five-hour paid shifts a week at £12.60 an hour.

"We know that finding meaningful work can be especially challenging for individuals with learning disabilities or difficulties," a spokesperson said, calling Tom 'a fantastic fit'.

Tom did 600 hours of unpaid labour over four years (BBC)

"Asda has a supported internship programme and partnership with DFN Project Search – a national charity for young people with autism or a learning disability – through which we have welcomed over 30 talented new colleagues into roles across our stores.

"We have seen the positive impact this has for the individuals who join and for our colleagues and customers too."

While Tom weighs up his offers, his mum explained to The Times: "Asda is saying, 'We'll fit around you,' which is unbelievable.

"They do seem very inclusive and keen to diversify. They even asked what aisle he would prefer to work in."

Frances added to the BBC: "We are going to think about it and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to return... and are having further discussions with Waitrose."

LADbible Group has contacted Waitrose for further comment.