If you ever had uncomfortable job interviews or rather awkward first impressions because you knew once they ask about any criminal records it was basically over for you, then today’s your lucky day! The “Ban The Box” law has came into effect officially this week in New York City and now you’d be surprised how many people will have hopefully benefitted in getting more careers to help support themselves and their family. You’ve got to read more to see exactly how this new law serves as a new source of hope for many people now.
Now throughout much of the year, residents of the NYC have been dedicated to standing up for their causes through protest and rallies – that have made quite headway for change throughout the nation and now another group has established change as well: the protestors for the “Ban-The-Box-Law”. The Fair Chance Act, New York City’s “ban the box” law (“Ban-the-Box Law”), took effect on October 27, 2015, restricting City employers’ ability to inquire about job applicants’ criminal history. The Ban-the-Box Law restricts the timing of when an employer may inquire about an applicant’s criminal history. Under this law, New York City employers with four or more employees may not inquire about an applicant’s criminal history (including pending arrests) until a contingent offer of employment has been made. This restriction applies to any direct (i.e., asking the applicant or placing the inquiry on the employment application) or indirect (i.e., by running a criminal background check) inquiry.
New York City Mayor De Blasio says the Fair Chance Act gives those with a criminal background a “fair shot” rather than “condemning them to a grim economic future.” However, be aware that the law does make exceptions for employers who are required by federal, state or local law to conduct criminal background checks for particular positions, according to The National Law Review. Do you guys think this increases job opportunity now?
