Employers should “rethink” using criminal histories in hiring decisions, researchers say
One in three adults in the United States has been arrested at least once, a strikingly high number compared with many other countries. Now, a new study reveals one of the implications of that figure: Nearly half of unemployed U.S. men have criminal convictions, which makes it harder to get a job, according to an analysis of survey data of men ages 30 to 38.
The findings suggest having a criminal justice history is pushing many men to the sidelines of the job market, says sociologist Sarah Esther Lageson of Rutgers University, Newark, who was not involved in the study. “I’m not sure that many people understand just how prevalent an arrest is,” she says. “It really shows up [that unemployment] is actually a mass criminalization problem. … Because arrests are so common, they shouldn’t be considered in an employment context at all,” she says.
To me one of the scariest things in relation to being registered is looking for a job. The shame of saying yes I have a felony charge and trying to explain why I could be a good employee. Luckily a place nearby said it is 15 years old and no issues since so they hired me.
You don’t need to explain your criminal record in the context of employment. If you have the skills and a good employment history (that includes any prison employment) that should be all that matters and don’t be afraid to put it that way. Shame on employers for letting good talent sit on the sidelines while their businesses suffer from staffing shortages. They’ve made this mess and it’s theirs to own.
Business such as the one I work for don’t have that prejudice and are prospering because of it.
All human beings have a past whether they want to admit it or not; however your past doesn’t define your present or future unless your a politician. With everything going on regarding COVID causing people to quit why not hiring people with records. I mean most don’t want to go back into the system working for the state at a 1.00/ day busting your butt. They want a meaningful job that gives them purpose not you will always be an offender. Government needs to get out of the way and let people live without their no nothing involvement.
It is a catch 22 for employers, don’t give the person with a criminal record a chance and lose a potentially good employee, or risk getting sued for negligent hiring if they do and one eventually causes a workplace incident. Negligent hiring shouldn’t even be a thing, a person’s actions should be their own and not reflect on the employer. This practice should be banned at a minimum, and better if criminal histories were barred from consideration at all.
My employer is a small business that gave me a chance straight from the prison gate, and they are prospering today more than ever for seeing the diamonds in the rough for what they are.
“Because arrests are so common, they shouldn’t be considered in an employment context at all,” she says.”
Her phrasing is very interesting. I agree arrests should not be used, only convictions. I do believe convictions should be looked at in the context of when they occurred, what kind of crime it was, and how they relate to the job in question. There is little doubt employers are missing out on some great employees by denying jobs across the board.