Imagine dedicating over four years of your life to a job you love, only to be unceremoniously fired when your family asks for a little compensation. That’s the shocking reality for Tom Boyd, a 27-year-old autistic man who devoted more than 600 hours stacking shelves at a Waitrose store in Greater Manchester. His story, shared by his mother Frances, has ignited a firestorm of discussion around the treatment of volunteers, particularly those with disabilities.

Tom’s journey began with a college placement that blossomed into a two-day-a-week commitment at the Cheadle Hulme branch of Waitrose. According to Frances, her son thrived on the routine and sense of accomplishment he gained from his work. “He absolutely loved it,” she emphasized, noting how Tom derived a sense of belonging from his role and proudly likened himself to his dad and brother, who also had jobs.

However, when Frances dared to ask for paid hours, citing Tom’s dedication, the response from Waitrose left her stunned. They initially offered a glimmer of hope, suggesting a future opportunity, only to have that hope dashed when the decision was escalated to head office. “Once head office found out, it was stopped,” Frances revealed, recalling how they were forced to concoct a story about store cleaning to explain Tom’s sudden absence.

Tom’s situation raises critical questions about the rights of those volunteering, especially within the scope of the Equality Act. Frances pointed out that individuals like Tom often lack protective rights, making them vulnerable to abrupt termination without recourse. “It’s not fair,” she lamented, urging for a reevaluation of how volunteering opportunities are structured for disabled individuals.

Despite the distressing turn of events, Frances remains focused on advocating for change rather than seeking back wages. “It’s beyond that. It’s about young people volunteering,” she stated, clearly passionate about influencing a more equitable environment for future volunteers.

In response, Waitrose asserted their commitment to inclusivity, emphasizing their experience with making reasonable adjustments for employees needing extra support. They acknowledged that every work experience opportunity is crafted with good intentions, but they’re now under scrutiny as they investigate the circumstances surrounding Tom’s dismissal.

As the Boyd family seeks new opportunities for Tom, another supermarket chain has already reached out, eager to provide him with paid shifts. Frances hopes that by shedding light on this issue, it will serve as a wake-up call for businesses to treat all volunteers, especially those with disabilities, with the respect and fairness they deserve.