London Underground: the city where accent shapes career prospects

The iconic red London Underground roundel stands above the entrance at Piccadilly, where people of different ages and backgrounds pass by. This instantly recognisable symbol of the British capital illustrates the article's theme: for nearly one in ten UK workers, a regional or working-class accent is a source of anxiety and a barrier to career advancement. London, with its mix of dialects and the prestige of Received Pronunciation, vividly shows how pronunciation can shape professional opportunities.