22/10/2025
This story has really touched our hearts 💔
27-year-old Tom Boyd, an autistic man with limited communication abilities, spent four years volunteering at his local Waitrose. He loved his work, showed up with pride, and gave over 600 hours of his time — supported by a care worker and loved by the team on the shop floor.
But when his mum asked if he could be paid for just a few hours a week to recognise his dedication, the role "just" was taken away.
Tom found belonging, purpose and joy in his routine — and that’s what true inclusion is meant to bring. No one should lose that for simply asking to be valued. Should they?
Workplaces talk about inclusion all the time — but inclusion means more than policies and partnerships. It means fairness, kindness, and equal respect. 🙌
Let’s keep standing up for a world where disabled people’s time, skill and heart are recognised as the value they are.
We hope that many share his story and that this leads to Tom being able to soon get a job that will reward him for his hard work and dedication.
To read more about Tom’s story here just click here:
https://www.ladbible.com/news/uk-news/autistic-volunteer-waitrose-loses-job-pay-request-400379-20251021
This post was written by Rocío Castillero, Incurably Wonderful' s founder. An organisation tailored by and for patients of chronic conditions and disabilities in UK
27-year-old Tom Boyd worked at the local store for four years