To be irritated by Asda card woman?

Probably not but I just thought I would share just in case anyone is interested or didn’t know 😊

So all these people will only be claiming PIP? Are you sure about that?

You can claim PIP even if you are working.

I have no idea to be honest but I would assume they are part time and I'm sure there's lots of people working in asda that are also claiming benefits

How would that work with benefits etc?

So asda is getting people with SEN to work for them for free? Couldn't they pay them? Even if it was only a temporary contract

Well, if they are unable to recognise social cues in an environment whereby they are surrounded by the public then having someone around to support them would be one way. Not someone hovering over their shoulder but stationed in the same vicinity so they can step in if there are problems. Adequate training as well needs to be ensure, including shadowing shifts so they can see how established employees respond to situations. Training for staff and volunteers about recognising additional needs and what adaptions might be made.

If you mean the customers - this would also help them because the people they're interacting with will have the knowledge required.

That's so cheap. There should be no such thing as "volunteers" except in a charity shop environment.
A multi-million pound company should be paying them.

I hope they're not doing 8 hours shifts there!

Well what would you suggest is the answer?

The posters referencing the 'too busy' crew have neglected to think of the other customers who might not 'be kind'. The sort who might swear at or otherwise abuse what they perceive is an employee of the store 'getting in their way'. I've seen instances of this, levied at other people in shops, and I don't believe that a volunteer badge would make that type of person realise or hold back even if they did.

The OP has explained the circumstances and been disbelieved and 'what if'd' throughout the thread. The OP being avoidant of what she views might be thought of as confrontation, isn't the worst position that a volunteer could find themselves in.

Whatever the circumstances, leaving a person with SEN in an employment role without support, shouldn't be happening.

For staff and volunteers to be trained to leave people alone if they say no thank you?

And thats their right of course, but let's not pretend that's what this thread is mostly about.

I was referencing the op and the I am far too busy crew.

What do you suggest the answer is for those with additional needs?

Well it's potentially both isn't it?

My daughter could very easily be in a role like the volunteer described in the OP.

While I think a scheme like this is brilliant and I would expect volunteers to be treated with respect by customers and other staff, it would be doing the volunteer a disservice if they're not trained/able to deal with customers who don't want or need their help.

I know only too well that ableist pillocks exist, but I don't think that's the only thing happening here.

I will if she let's me past to look!

Some of the peope replying ARE people with addition needs saying that this situation would make the uncomfortable and would be difficult for them

Maybe get her a 'I'm sorry' card!

I can’t tell who you’re angry at? Who are the pious prats?

Some of the responses on here make me despair.

Those agreeing with op, you do realise your own circumstances can change in a blink an eye? You could become the person with additional needs?

We are all bloody busy and anti social but it's a dark fucking day when you cannot show a shred of empathy for anyone else because of it.

Some people have to volunteer to get benefits. I don't know I'd she is one of them or is trying to build up retail experience, but I'd just talk to her. Tell her you know what you're looking for and you're good without help.

She may be lonel, so be kind.

Hope this works.

I'm sure the volunteer lady would love to be out and about being busy. Unfortunately she can't be. My sister would have been over the moon to be in that kind of place.
So very sorry that people can't recognise that you can manage the situation where the volunteer has a a pleasant exchange and the customer gets the cards they require.
Treating people nicely from a position of strength or power is a mark of how civilised we are.

One or two low scores today!

All this talk of just politely declining ignores the fact that that is not easy for customers who have SEN or are neurodiverse themselves. If someone knew how to politely deflect an insistent person, they probably wouldn't be here saying that they would find this situation difficult. I would have no clue what to say if she didn't back off after I said no thank you. If staff are in my way, I just continue my shopping elsewhere in the store and come back later to get what I needed. I would never dream of asking them to move.

Fuck. I need to go. I'm going to pop round right now and throw myself at Card Lady's feet and beg forgiveness for saying 'excuse me...thanks love!' in such a nasty way.

the80sweregreat · Yesterday 20:58
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She sounds nuts ! Why voluntarily volunteer to work in Asda ? No offence to the lady , but this sounds a bit bizarre !”

Aww. You’re all empathy, aren’t you.

Well you must be conveying that if you get that reaction every time.

Yes, our local Asda has quite a few staff members with additional support needs - many of them in paid roles too. It’s fantastic, even if it does lead to some interesting conversations. I once got told I was turning my baby into a “booze bag” because I bought four ciders as a gift when pregnant 😂

You're right. That must be it. When I say 'excuse me... thanks love!' it probably does sound like 'get the fuck out my road so I can pick a fucking card for my mum's birthday. You bitch.'