The impact of incarceration rarely ends after release.
In today's tight labor market, many companies are trying different tactics to hire or retain employees. For instance, offering significant sign-on bonuses, paying higher wages, hosting national hiring events, and offering tuition reimbursement are not uncommon. However, one in three Americans have some type of criminal record and face significant barriers to employment. The impact of incarceration rarely ends after release. Many employers automatically turn down formerly incarcerated people due to their background. In fact, 45% of returning citizens report no earning the first year after their release (Brookings Institution Study). Even if they can find employment, they are often forced to settle for temporary, part-time, or under-the-table work.
"There are actually people who want to work," said Devine Lambert, who served six months for grand theft. "And we don't get opportunities to do that because we're being judged off something we did when we didn't have a chance."
Shortages in the U.S. labor market lead to better opportunities for justice-involved job seekers.
As companies are still struggling to find qualified labor due to the global pandemic, more and more employers are opening their hiring policies to include those with criminal records. One hundred fifty-eight new fair-chance companies registered with Honest Jobs from May to July, roughly doubling our rank of active employers.
"There are companies that had no pre-existing program or intentional process for tapping into this demographic, and now we are helping them hire," said Harley Blakeman, Chief Executive Officer of Honest Jobs.
Read Peyton Forte's full article here: bloom.bg/3kRVMep
Join Honest Jobs
Honest Jobs is a nationwide job board for second chance employment. If you're wanting to get a job with a felony or to reach untapped talent, join here: www.HonestJobs.com