Tom Boyd, a 27-year-old autistic man, has been left heartbroken after being denied a paid position at a Waitrose store in Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester, despite dedicating over 600 hours of unpaid work experience over the course of four years. His mother, Frances Boyd, has expressed deep disappointment and frustration at the supermarket’s response, accusing the company of failing to make the reasonable adjustments required by law for her disabled son.
What Happened: The Unpaid Work Experience and the Denial of a Paid Job
For the past four years, Tom Boyd has worked two mornings every week at Waitrose in Cheadle Hulme, mainly focusing on stocking shelves and assisting with store operations. His dedication and commitment to the job have been evident, with Frances sharing that Tom’s time at the store was never driven by the hope of financial compensation, but rather his desire to contribute, belong, and make a meaningful impact.
However, when Frances inquired if Tom could be offered paid work in recognition of his years of voluntary service, she was met with what she described as a dismissive and cold response from Waitrose. According to Frances, the company informed her that Tom was not suited for a paid position at the store because he “couldn’t do the full role.” This left the family deeply disappointed and feeling that the supermarket chain had failed to show the appreciation and respect Tom deserved for his hard work.
Who Was Tom Boyd / Background of the Case
Tom Boyd, who has autism, has always had a deep passion for being a productive member of society and contributing to his community. His work at Waitrose has not only been a source of pride for him, but has also earned praise from colleagues. According to Frances, staff at Waitrose would often tell Tom that he worked harder than some of the employees who were paid, reinforcing his sense of value and purpose within the workplace.
Despite his efforts and the positive feedback he received, Waitrose has not offered Tom a chance at paid employment, despite his long history of dedication to the job. Frances and Tom were hoping that his unpaid service would eventually lead to some form of recognition and compensation, but that opportunity was denied.
Waitrose’s Response and Public Statements
Waitrose has responded to the situation, emphasizing that the company is committed to being an inclusive employer. A spokesperson for the company stated: “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.”
However, Frances Boyd, who shared her frustration in a heartfelt Facebook post, questioned the sincerity of this statement, saying that Tom had given four years of hard work and deserved more than just silence from Waitrose.
Public and Social Media Reactions
Frances’s post on social media quickly went viral, sparking an outpouring of support for Tom and criticism of Waitrose’s decision. Many people expressed their anger at the situation, with numerous individuals, including advocates for people with disabilities, sharing their personal experiences with workplace discrimination. The online reaction has brought more attention to the issue of inclusivity and fair treatment for individuals with disabilities in the workforce.
What Happens Next: Investigation and Support for Tom
As of now, Waitrose has promised to investigate the situation as a priority, but Frances has expressed a sense of betrayal, saying that her son “deserved better” for all the time and effort he had invested. While Waitrose has acknowledged the issue, Frances remains firm in her belief that Tom’s experience highlights the ongoing challenges faced by people with disabilities when it comes to fair employment opportunities.
In the meantime, Frances continues to advocate for her son and other people in similar situations, hoping that her story will prompt companies like Waitrose to make more meaningful adjustments for employees with disabilities.
Closing Line
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available. Tom Boyd’s experience is a powerful reminder of the importance of workplace inclusivity and the need for equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Let’s hope that the ongoing investigation into this case leads to positive change and fair treatment for all workers.
