A family asserts that a man with autism who volunteered at a Waitrose store for over four years was led to believe he might secure a paid job. Tom Boyd, aged 27, engaged in work experience at the Cheadle Hulme branch in Manchester, dedicating two full mornings each week to tasks like stocking shelves and managing stock cages. His mother, Frances, mentioned that since 2021, he has devoted over 600 hours of voluntary service out of his desire to feel a sense of belonging, contribute, and create an impact.
Despite the family’s inquiry about the possibility of Tom receiving paid hours from the supermarket, Waitrose reportedly informed them that he wouldn’t be able to be offered a paid position due to not being able to perform the complete range of duties. Frances criticized the response as “dismissive” and “cold,” prompting her to express her discontent on social media.
During an interview on BBC Breakfast, Frances highlighted her son’s love for working at the store and expressed hope that shedding light on his situation could lead to enhanced employment safeguards for disabled volunteers. She recalled how Tom’s involvement at Waitrose started with a college placement, gradually escalating from one hour per week to two days as he demonstrated improvement and adaptability.
The family initially harbored optimism when Waitrose didn’t outright reject the idea of paid employment. However, as time went by, their hopes waned, and the matter eventually escalated to the company’s head office. Frances recounted having to fabricate reasons to explain to her son why he couldn’t return to work after the head office intervened.
In response, Waitrose emphasized its commitment to being an inclusive employer, stating that they collaborate with various charities to provide work experience and are adept at making appropriate accommodations to support employees. While expressing regret over Tom’s situation, they refrained from commenting on individual cases but assured an ongoing investigation into the matter.
Frances condemned Waitrose’s handling of the situation, citing the absence of acknowledgment, gratitude, or apology for her son’s dedication. She accused the supermarket of failing to meet the legal requirement of making reasonable adjustments for her son.
In a Facebook post, Frances emotionally shared the family’s disappointment, describing how her son had diligently contributed his time and effort to the store without seeking charity but rather recognition for his hard work. She expressed shock at the cold and dismissive response received when inquiring about the possibility of paid work for Tom.
The manager’s remark that “We can’t just let him do his thing” was highlighted as a stark contrast to Tom’s successful track record of working independently at the store for years.