Laws for employers are quickly spreading throughout the country that prohibit questions about previous salary history. About 15 states and other local areas have adopted this practice now. Using previous salary history in the hiring process can have major concerns with regard to the gap women and people of color,… [Read More]
Ban the Box updates
Nationwide, thus far, 32 states and over 150 cities and counties have adopted what is widely known as “ban the box”. The National Employment Law Project (NELP) states: This is to ensure that Employers consider a job candidate’s qualifications first-without the stigma of a conviction or arrest record. Ban the Box is… [Read More]
FTC Testifies on Fair Credit Reporting Act
Recently, The Federal Trade Commission testified before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee that enforcement of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) remains a top priority, and outlined the agency’s efforts to educate consumers and businesses about the law’s requirements. According to the FTC Press Release, the Commission has played a key… [Read More]
Benefits to Employers of Pre-Employment Background Screening
As employers, we are all aware of the negative impact that just one ‘wrong’ employee can have upon your business. Each year companies lose thousands of dollars or more on these employees. By including into your hiring & interviewing process, Pre-Employment Background Screening, it can keep your company safer and… [Read More]
2018: Will it ring in – Legislation that Prohibits Employers from Salary History?
Many states have indicated that 2018 is the year that they predict employers will no longer be able to request information regarding salary history. California, Oregon, New York City, Philadelphia and Massachusetts all have enacted or spoke out in support of legislation that would not allow employers to seek out… [Read More]
Post Hire Screening
Planning on new employees for the New Year? Consider these thoughts for 2017! Your applicant arrives at your office, very well prepared for the interview. He makes a great impression and you decide to give him a conditional offer of employment and send him for the background check. He passes… [Read More]
Prospective Resident Individualized Assessment
Property Owners/Managers are in the business of leasing quality rental housing to quality prospective residents. All applications are processed with the goal of extending an offer to lease, to qualified applicants. Unfortunately, not all applications can be approved. U.S. Justice Department filed a “Statement of Interest” in a housing lawsuit,… [Read More]
FCRA Lawsuits will Remain a Potential Threat to Employers
On May 16, 2016, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in the case of Spokeo, Inc. v. Robins that consumers must prove “concrete injury” in class action lawsuits for alleged “bare” violations of a federal statute. However, the fact that class action lawsuits involving the federal Fair Credit… [Read More]
Resident Individualized Assessments & Adverse Action Notifications
In view of the April 4, 2016 HUD Guidelines to Providers of Housing, POE believes it is necessary to utilize additional versions of the Adverse Action Notifications that property owners and property managers are required to send, when the owners/managers intend to decline an application placed by a prospective resident…. [Read More]
Prospective Resident Individualized Assessment
Property Owners/Managers are in the business of leasing quality rental housing to quality prospective residents. All applications are processed with the goal of extending an offer to lease, to qualified applicants. Unfortunately, not all applications can be approved. HUD’s April 2016 Guidance to Housing Providers strongly states that no prospective… [Read More]
HUD Guidance, Applicants with Criminal Records & Housing Providers
On April 4, 2016, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of General Counsel, issued its Guidance on Application of Fair Housing Act Standards to the Use of Criminal Records by Providers of Housing and Real Estate-Related Transactions. The Guidance, which strongly resembles the April 25, 2012 EEOC… [Read More]
Compliance…Compliance…Compliance
Litigation against End Users of Consumer Reports and Investigative Consumer Reports continues to Snowball across the land. And record setting settlements are being paid by employers and other end-users of screening reports. Two-thirds of FCRA suits are being brought against End Users because of invalid Authorization and Disclosure documents or… [Read More]