63370363
A law to prevent ex-offenders from being discriminated against when looking to gain employment went into effect Friday.
The Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards, or “Ban the Box” ordinance, which Mayor Michael Nutter signed in April, prohibits employers with 10 or more workers from asking about an applicant’s criminal record until after the initial interview. Violators can receive up to a $2,000 fine. Criminal justice agencies and other companies mandated by state or federal law to consider criminal histories of applicants are exempt from this law.
“We’re working every day to offer a level playing field to qualified individuals who have paid their debt to society,” Nutter said. “Everyone deserves an opportunity to work to provide for their families and should not be discriminated against before they even have a first interview. Offering jobs to ex-offenders improves the quality of life for all Philadelphians, and this ordinance is an important aspect of our overall job and public safety strategy.”
Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
28043647
