Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester – A 27-year-old autistic man, Tom Boyd, is heartbroken after being denied a paid job at Waitrose, despite dedicating over 600 hours of unpaid work experience across four years.
Tom’s mother, Frances Boyd, expressed deep disappointment with the supermarket chain, accusing Waitrose of failing to make the reasonable adjustments required by law for her disabled son.
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What Happened: From Unpaid Work to Job Rejection
For the past four years, Tom Boyd volunteered twice a week at the Waitrose store in Cheadle Hulme. His duties included stocking shelves and assisting staff members — work he took great pride in.
According to Frances, Tom never sought financial reward initially; his motivation came from wanting to contribute, belong, and feel valued. However, when Frances inquired about converting Tom’s volunteer role into a paid position, the family received what she described as a “dismissive and cold” response.
Waitrose reportedly told them that Tom was “not suitable for a paid position” because he could not perform the “full role” — a statement that left the family devastated and frustrated. Frances believes the company failed to recognize Tom’s dedication and the value he added to the store.
Who Is Tom Boyd? His Journey and Determination
Tom Boyd, who has autism, has long been committed to being a productive member of society. His work at Waitrose gave him confidence, purpose, and friendship within the workplace.
Frances shared that several Waitrose employees had praised Tom’s work ethic, even noting that he “worked harder than some paid staff.” Despite this, Tom was not offered a paid opportunity — a decision that Frances calls “unfair and disheartening.”
Waitrose’s Official Response
A spokesperson for Waitrose said the company is committed to inclusivity and is investigating the matter as a priority.
“We work hard to be an inclusive employer. We partner with charities to provide work experience and make reasonable adjustments to help people succeed at work. While we can’t comment on individual cases, we are sorry to hear Tom’s story,”
said a Waitrose representative.
Despite the statement, Frances questioned the sincerity of the company’s response, saying Tom’s four years of hard work deserved more than silence.
Public and Social Media Reactions
Frances’s Facebook post quickly went viral, drawing widespread public support and sparking outrage toward Waitrose. Many social media users, disability advocates, and former employees voiced their concerns about disability discrimination and equal employment opportunities.
“This is unacceptable. Four years of dedication should count for something,” one supporter commented.
“Companies must do better for people with disabilities,” another added.
The story has since become a focal point in discussions surrounding autism awareness and inclusive hiring practices in the UK.
What Happens Next: Investigation and Calls for Change
Waitrose has confirmed that an internal investigation is underway. Meanwhile, Frances Boyd continues to advocate for her son and others facing similar challenges in the workforce.
She hopes Tom’s story will encourage companies to reassess how they treat disabled workers, ensuring fair recognition and inclusive employment opportunities.
“Tom just wanted to feel valued. That’s all he ever asked for,” Frances said.
Conclusion: A Call for Fairness and Inclusion
The experience of Tom Boyd serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for equal opportunity and workplace inclusivity for people with disabilities. As Waitrose faces growing public scrutiny, many hope that this case will inspire positive change in how businesses handle disability employment.
Tom’s story has become more than a personal struggle — it’s a symbol of the fight for respect, inclusion, and fairness in every workplace.