While most employers are hesitant to hire felons, some are reaping off the benefits of doing so. Instead of overlooking an application once you see a tick on the box confirming a criminal record, as an employer you should view this as an opportunity to improve your community profile, save the company’s money and make more profit.
As an employee, you shouldn’t miss out on all these opportunities for not hiring felons. Start providing jobs for felons today and see how much your company will benefit from it.
The Benefits Of Hiring Felons
Some felons are ready to work diligently, handle themselves appropriately, respond to requirements of the job and contribute to the success of the company. Employers need to take their time and understand that ex-offenders have a lot of potentials and there are real diamonds out there to collect.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
An employer is at the advantage of getting tax credit by hiring an offender who has been out for like a year or less. The work opportunity reduces the employers’ income tax liability provided that the ex-offender was released within the previous twelve months. Usually, the amount of money that the employer receives highly depends on the number of hours and wages earned by the new hire. This is a good way to make a hire for your company and lower your taxes and it starts with you keep your eyes open for felons who need a chance to prove how they can be of use to your company. When you’re ready to hire visit the WOTC website to check eligibility for the tax credit and for easy instructions on how to apply. It is a straightforward steps process involving;
- Filling out two short forms that both go to your state force work agency
- Once they certify your application, you file for the WOTC tax credit with the IRS
That’s how you end up with a good worker and lower taxes up to $9,600 per hire and make more profit for your company.
Federal Bonding Program
Job seekers with a criminal background are considered as high-risk applicants. The federal bonding program is like an insurance policy or a program designed to enable employers to hire high-risk job applicants with an assurance of compensation in case of mischief. A federal fidelity bond supplied by the insurance company is a business insurance policy that ensures employers for any theft, perjury, forgery, embezzlement or any loss by the bonded employee.
However, the bond insures employers for liability due to job injuries, poor workmanship, or accidents at work. Also, the federal bonding program does not cover performance bonds, contract bonds, or license bonds. There is no cost for the employer; this is simply a program for companies willing to take a chance on hiring ex-offenders.
They Make The Best Employees
Most employers consider high moral standards as a crucial factor for hiring someone and being an ex-offender completely discredits someone. However, hiring a felony makes them grateful for the chance given to them and determined to dismiss the misconceptions the society has on them. They are very appreciative of the opportunity you give them and will show you their gratitude by working hard to exceed your expectations and become model employees to your surprise. If you’re looking for a new great employee, give a felon a chance to start over, and you’ll be amazed by the excellent job they’ll do for you.
Compliance With The Law
The law warns employers using an individual’s criminal history to make employment decisions may violate provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Enforcement Guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) discusses the differences between an arrest and a conviction record. Also, the EEOC provides guidelines for a background check to help you avoid any issues with the law. Some important guidelines every employer should observe are:
- Employers hiring policies should comply with anti-discrimination laws protecting felons, people of different ethnicities and gender
- Avoidance of discriminatory policies that exclude certain individuals from employment based on their criminal records
- Avoiding common hiring practices that harm people protected by employment laws such as convicted felons
- Other factors that employers shouldn’t overlook with regards to an applicant’s conviction record including the nature of the offense, consistency in employment prior conviction time, the number of offenses committed, rehabilitation efforts and personal references.
- To give applicants a chance to explain their criminal history.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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