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Waitrose Pauses Shifts for Man With Severe Autism After Pay Request

The retailer says it is investigating following a pause triggered by a request for paid hours.

Overview

  • Tom Boyd, 27, completed more than 600 hours of unpaid work experience at the Waitrose store in Cheadle Hulme since 2021.
  • His family and support workers asked for a small number of paid hours, prompting the store to refer the request to head office.
  • Waitrose then halted his shifts pending review, and he has not worked for more than two months.
  • A company spokesperson said Waitrose partners with charities on work experience, makes reasonable adjustments, and is reviewing the case as a priority.
  • Boyd’s mother declined legal action and is seeking alternative roles for him, including at other supermarkets or in cleaning work he enjoys.