Waitrose-rejected autistic worker Tom Boyds starts Asda job

An autistic man who was told he had to stop stacking shelves at the Waitrose supermarket where he had volunteered for four years is now beginning a paid job at Asda.

Twenty-eight-year old Tom Boyd’s work experience placement ended after his mum Frances asked if he could be offered “just a few paid hours”.

The public outcry when she shared the story on social media in October led to Tom being offered paid employment at Asda, before Waitrose then also offered to pay him in a role he will start in the new year.

Frances said: “He got his uniform on the weekend so he’s very excited about his new job.”

Tom, whose autism means he needs a support worker, had volunteered for more than 600 hours at Waitrose in Cheadle before his role was ended by head office in the summer.

He will return to the store in a paid role next year but is firstly working a few hours a week at his local Asda.

Frances said: “We made it very exciting that we had some good news and that he’s got a job as a ‘working man’ at Asda and he was very happy.

“He wants to buy Christmas party food so that’s his latest project that he’ll save his money for and we always give him incentives to what he’s working for.

“He’s very happy about going back to Waitrose as well because he knows it so well.”

Waitrose said it was “delighted” Tom has accepted its offer of paid employment and is looking forward to welcoming him to start in January.

“We have Tom’s best interests at heart and we’ve worked closely with his family throughout to ensure Tom gets the support he needs,” a spokesman said.

An Asda spokesperson said: “When we heard about Tom’s story and his determination to find meaningful work, we knew he would be a great addition to Asda and we’re so pleased that he’s now joined the team at our Cheadle Hulme store.

“Giving people with additional needs the chance to shine is something we’re passionate about, because we’ve seen how much it benefits our colleagues and customers.”

Frances has met with Stephen Timms, government Minister for Social Security and Disability since the family went public with Tom’s story.

She has called for the reinstatement of the Access to Work Plus scheme, which previously provided ongoing support to ensure people like Tom could move into paid employment. A two-year trial ended in March 2024.

The minister “was very interested, he was very nice, and he listened,” she said.

However, she added: “He took into consideration all our points, but I’m not sure he was in the position to be able to tell us that it would open back up.”

A Department of Work and Pensions spokesperson said: “We are delighted that Tom is starting paid work, and we wish him all the best for the future.”

They said the government was “investing” £1bn a year in employment support by the end of the decade to help sick, disabled, or neurodivergent people move into good, secure jobs.

“An independent expert panel is looking at how employers can boost workplace inclusivity,” they added.