An individual with autism, who worked without pay at Waitrose for four years, has been offered a paid position at the supermarket chain after being hired by Asda.

Tom Boyd, aged 27, engaged in work experience twice a week at the Cheadle Hulme store in Manchester, amassing over 600 hours of voluntary work since 2021. His tasks included shelf-stacking and stock handling. However, he was dismissed when his family inquired about compensation for his long-term commitment.

Following criticism of Waitrose by Tom’s mother, Frances, on social media, Asda extended a paid work offer to Tom. Frances expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and the opportunity provided by Asda, stating that the company is understanding and accommodating of Tom’s needs.

In response, Waitrose expressed intentions to offer Tom permanent employment soon, emphasizing their commitment to providing opportunities for individuals who may face difficulties in securing work. They acknowledged the situation with Tom and are exploring ways to reinstate him in a paid role with the assistance of his family and a charitable organization.

Frances explained that Tom initially volunteered at Waitrose out of a desire to contribute and be part of a community. When the family inquired about paid work, Waitrose initially seemed open to the idea but later informed them that Tom was not suited for a paid position. Frances criticized Waitrose’s response as dismissive and cold, prompting her to share their experience on social media.

During an interview on BBC Breakfast, Frances highlighted Tom’s enjoyment of his work at Waitrose and expressed hope that bringing attention to his case would lead to better employment opportunities for disabled volunteers. She detailed their efforts to request paid work, the initial optimism they had, and the eventual disappointment when the opportunity did not materialize.

Despite setbacks at Waitrose, Frances expressed relief that Tom now has the opportunity for paid work at Asda, emphasizing the positive impact it has had on their family.