“Accentism” in the workplace

A recent study conducted by the Sutton Trust revealed more than 45% of employees in the UK have been mocked, criticised or singled out because of their accent. Prospective or current employees who are treated less favourably by an employer on the grounds of accent bias may, in certain circumstances, be able to bring discrimination claims. In this article, we consider positive action employers can take to tackle accent prestige within their workplace.