ROANOKE (WSLS) - The Roanoke City Council announced plans to remove the criminal history question from job applications for positions offered by the city. The goal of the "Ban the Box" initiative is to remove potential employment barriers for ex-felons.
The decision by city leaders will only apply to jobs offered by the city. However, local leaders are hoping private companies and small businesses follow the city's efforts and and "Ban the Box".
According to the Virginia Employment Commission, businesses who hire ex-felons can receive a tax credit of up to $2400 as part of a federal program called "Work Opportunity Tax Credit". Business owners who hire ex-felons can also apply to the federally funded "Bonding Program" which provides insurance to protect employers against employee dishonesty including theft, forgery, larceny, and embezzlement.
For information about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.
http://www.vec.virginia.gov/employers/incentives/work-opportunity-tax-credit
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For information about the Bonding Program
http://www.bonds4jobs.com/