Ipswich: Employers want to break down barriers for people who stammer

People who stammer are almost certain to face discrimination in the workplace and the jobs market, according to new research.

Now, the Dominic Barker Trust – the Suffolk-based charity which funded the research, conducted by Dr Clare Butler, of Newcastle University Business School – is inviting local businesses to attend an Open Evening on October 9 to learn more about the challenges that affect people who stammer and how businesses can respond.

Among the guests expected to attend will be Ipswich MP Ben Gummer and councillor Christopher Hudson chairman of Suffolk County Council.

One of the speakers, Iain Wilkie, partner at EY (formerly Ernst & Young) and co-chairman of the Employers Stammering Network said: “We’re hugely encouraged that 10 leading organisations employing over 1.3 million people have joined our network in it’s first year.

“These employers understand that employees who stammer bring high levels of resilience, empathy and creativity which are invaluable attributes when interacting with customers, colleagues and the wider community.”

The open evening would be relevant to business personnel responsible for recruitment and/or human resources and anyone with a professional interest in speech and language disorders.

Numbers are limited so interested parties should contact Dom’s Fund at enquiries@dominicbarkertrust.org.uk or call 01473 328 530 to check availability. The event will be held at The Auditorium University Campus Suffolk, Waterfront Building, Neptune Quay, Ipswich IP4 1QJ.

Drinks will be served between 7.00 and 7.30pm followed by a review of research relating to stammering in the workplace.