Accent bias can block workplace promotions, research finds

A survey commissioned by Common Ground CIC found that ‘accent anxiety’ is affecting job applications and promotions in the workplace. 

Among more than 3,000 adults polled, 13% said they had softened or changed their accent to sound more professional, rising to 23% among East London speakers and 20% among Scottish and Estuary English speakers.

One in 10 people said they felt self-conscious or anxious about speaking in high-stakes meetings or interviews. 

This was highest among Newcastle and East London speakers, both at 19%, and Welsh speakers at 18%. 

8% said their accent had been mocked or criticised by an employee or manager, rising to 15% among West Country speakers and 13% among Newcastle speakers.

5% said their accent has cost them a promotion, pay rise or senior role, with Birmingham speakers most likely to report this at 13%. 

4% stated that they have to adopt a standard accent to move into better-paid jobs, increasing to 13% among Newcastle speakers.

Liverpool and Birmingham accents were perceived as facing the highest levels of bias nationally, at 15% and 11% respectively.