An autistic volunteer, who was “fired” by Waitrose, has now received a paid job offer from Asda.
Tom Boyd, 27, completed over 600 hours of voluntary service alongside his support worker at a Waitrose store in Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester.
Supermarket competitor Asda has offered him two paid shifts weekly, totalling 10 hours.
His four-year placement ended after his mother, Frances Boyd, enquired about paid employment for her son in July, prompting concerns from Waitrose headquarters about the extent of his unpaid contributions.
They suspended his arrangement pending review.
The supermarket chain Asda has now extended a formal job offer to Boyd.
Mr Boyd had been attending the Greater Manchester supermarket twice weekly since 2021, working from 9.30am until 2pm on tasks including emptying delivery cages and arranging products on shelves.
His mother, who works for a charity, explained that her son “loved” the routine and sense of purpose his voluntary role provided.
Tom Boyd had been attending the Greater Manchester supermarket twice weekly since 2021
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She said: “He used to say: ‘I’m working like my dad and my brother’.”
The 28-year-old required continuous supervision from a support worker due to his severe autism and limited verbal communication abilities.
Mr Boyd has been absent from the store for two months, with his family telling him “the shop is being cleaned” to avoid distressing him.
Frances criticised the “cold, harsh, big corporate company” whilst praising the local staff as “amazing”.
She noted that paid employees at the same branch were unable to fulfil every aspect of their roles, questioning the fairness of the decision.
Asda has committed to providing Mr Boyd with two paid shifts of five hours each per week, with assurances of flexibility should he experience difficulties.
Ms Boyd expressed being “overwhelmed” by the public response to her son’s situation and the subsequent job offer.
“How amazing that a company could do this,” she stated regarding Asda’s approach.
Asda has offered him two paid shifts weekly, totalling 10 hours
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ASDAThis development follows widespread public reaction to Boyd’s removal from his voluntary position after his family’s payment request.
A Waitrose spokesman said: “We work hard to be an inclusive employer.
“As part of this, we partner with a number of charities, including to provide work experience, and are well experienced in making reasonable adjustments to help people succeed at work.
“We are sorry to hear of Tom’s story, and whilst we cannot comment on individual cases, we are investigating as a priority.”
