Waitrose Offers Paid Work to Autistic Volunteer Dropped Despite 600 Hours of Unpaid Work

Strategic Insights -

Waitrose supermarket has made an offer of paid work to Tom Boyd, 28, an autistic volunteer who was dropped after working over 600 hours without pay. This offer comes after rival supermarket Asda had already extended a similar offer to Mr. Boyd, which was made public on Thursday. Tom Boyd's mother, Frances Boyd, stated that the family will consider both offers and decide whether it is in Tom's best interests to return to Waitrose. The situation escalated after the Cheadle Hulme branch of Waitrose contacted the Boyd family, prompting an investigation into the store's volunteering policies.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tom Boyd, an autistic volunteer, worked over 600 hours for free at Waitrose in Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester, without being paid or recognized for his efforts.
  • The store's policies were brought into question after it was discovered that Tom had been working extensively without pay, prompting an investigation into volunteering practices.
  • Rival supermarket Asda offered Tom paid shifts after the controversy surrounding Waitrose.
  • Waitrose responded by making an offer of its own, stating it wants Tom back in paid employment and is seeking support from his family.
  • "We are going to think about it and decide if it is in Tom's best interests to return to Waitrose," said Frances Boyd.

Statistics:

  • 600 hours: the amount of time Tom Boyd worked for free at Waitrose.
  • 4 years: the duration of Tom Boyd's unpaid work at Waitrose.

Sources:

  • BBC News: "Autistic volunteer offered paid work after being dropped by Waitrose"
  • Waitrose official statement