After years of volunteering at a Waitrose supermarket in the UK without ever being offered a paid position, an autistic man has finally found paid employment—thanks to Asda, another major grocery chain. The man, who had dedicated nearly ten years of unpaid work at his previous store, is now being praised for his perseverance and positive attitude. Asda’s decision to hire him full-time has sparked national conversations about how companies value the labor of neurodivergent individuals and the difference between token inclusion and true opportunity.

This story highlights an important truth: inclusion goes beyond kind words or short-term volunteer placements. While volunteer work can offer structure, social interaction, and experience, it should never become a substitute for paid, dignified employment. Many people with disabilities face similar barriers—being told they “aren’t ready” for paid work, even when their dedication proves otherwise. By recognizing his worth and providing real compensation, Asda not only changed one man’s life but set an example for other employers worldwide.

The broader takeaway is about rethinking workplace culture. When companies truly embrace inclusive hiring, they gain loyal employees, stronger communities, and better morale. This story reminds us that people with disabilities don’t need charity—they need chances. Every workplace can take small steps to create more accessible hiring processes, provide accommodations, and build an environment where neurodivergent employees can thrive, contribute, and grow.

🗣️ My Thoughts:

I feel sad reading his story because he worked there for ten years before finally getting a paid job. Even if he needed extra time to prove his work ethic, it shouldn’t have taken a decade. During those years, he could have been earning money, building independence, and gaining confidence in himself—just like anyone else deserves to.

I don’t think people see disability itself as weakness—it’s more that society has conditioned them to assume that if someone has a disability, they automatically need help with everything. That mindset runs deep because it’s what people have been taught to believe. But it’s not true. Many of us are capable of doing so much more than people expect—we just do it differently. If society could unlearn that automatic assumption and focus instead on ability and potential, more people with disabilities would get fair chances, like this man finally did.

The main message I’d want employers to take away from this story is that it shouldn’t take ten years for someone with a disability to prove their work ethic. People with disabilities are capable, dedicated, and willing to contribute just like anyone else. Employers don’t need to wait a decade to recognize that—fairness and opportunity should come much sooner.

❓ Question to Consider

If you were an employer, how would you handle this differently?

📚 Sources:

        “Asda hires autistic man who was let go by Waitrose after years of volunteering” – The Guardian         “Autistic volunteer ‘sacked’ from Waitrose for asking for pay gets job offer from rival store” – The Independent        “Autistic volunteer axed by Waitrose is offered job by Asda” – The Times