Public Backlash Leads to Paid Job Offer for Autistic Former Waitrose Volunteer

A man with autism has accepted a paid position at a Waitrose store just weeks after being told he could no longer stack shelves there. Tom Boyd, 28, was offered the job last month and chose to take it following discussions with his family.

Before being asked to stop working, Mr Boyd had completed around 600 hours of unpaid shifts at the Waitrose in Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester. His mother, Frances Boyd, said the decision came shortly after she inquired about securing paid employment for him.

The situation prompted widespread public support, during which Asda offered Mr Boyd a paid role. Waitrose subsequently reversed its decision and extended an offer of employment to begin in January. Until then, he plans to work a few hours a week at Asda.

Mrs Boyd, a charity worker from Stockport, told the BBC that her son was thrilled: "He got his uniform at the weekend and he's very excited. We made it a celebration that he had some good news and that he now has a job as a 'working man' at Asda. He wants to buy Christmas party food, so that's what he's saving for. He's also very happy about going back to Waitrose."

She previously described her son as "heartbroken" and said he "deserved better" after being informed in October that he could no longer volunteer at Waitrose. In a social media post, she questioned the fairness of the decision, noting that other paid staff members at the store were also unable to carry out every aspect of the role.

Amid the public response, Mrs Boyd met with Stephen Timms, the minister for social security and disability. A Waitrose spokesperson told The Telegraph: "We're delighted that Tom has accepted our offer of paid employment." A spokesperson for the DWP also welcomed the news, adding: "We are delighted that Tom is starting paid work, and we wish him all the best for the future."

E&K Solicitors