A new study has revealed that employers routinely discriminate against people who stammer due to concerns about possible negative reactions from customers or team members.
The study by Dr Clare Butler, of Newcastle University Business School has found that people who stammer experience widespread prejudice in the jobs market and often described their workplace experiences as "mindless" or "frustrating".
All thirty-six men from England and Wales in the age group of 21 to 65 years, who were interviewed, reported routine discrimination and some admitted that they were immediately rejected at interviews because of their stammer, and others could only find jobs where they were over-qualified.
According to the study, many participants were told not only of their mismatch for the specifics of the job or the likelihood of a detrimental impact on customers, but also of the possible negative impact on team dynamics if they were appointed.
The study was published in the journal Work, Employment and Society.
