Misty Said:

Jobs for an ex-offender in Salt Lake City?

We Answered:

Regardless of your crime, potential employers have the right to do background checks and not hire you because you spent time in jail.

My brother-in-law, upon exiting from a correctional facility, also found it hard to find work because of his criminal background. I would suggest, if you have one, working with your PO. S/he will be able to get leads for you and even may be able to pull strings if s/he is that type of person/PO.

If you do not have a PO, you may want to look into employment agencies, aka the unemployment office of your local county/city. They are there to help everyone, regardless if you've been in jail one time or multiple times. Also, since you are privledged to live in a big city, you have several employment agencies at your fingertips who will do the work for you. You take a test to find out what you are good at, what you excell in, what you are capable of doing/understanding, and then using what they have on record for available positions, line up interviews for you. They do background checks as well and as with employers, have the right to refuse you. But are you any better off than before if they refuse? Nope.

They cost money of course, but most, if not all, will subtract the fee from your pay check each pay day until you are paid in full. You have to watch though. Some employment agencies will continue to take a percentage from your paycheck as long as you are employed at the job 'they found for you.' Make sure you read --anything-- you are given to sign completely. Anything you do not understand or seems questionable, ask. Ask point black if they charge you as long as you are employed at a job.

The unemployment office of your county/city will be in the government section of your phone book. Employment agencies are in the yellow pages of the same phone book. Not sure if they are called "employment" or "unemployment" agencies. I believe that depends on the area you are from.

Good luck to you and will be praying you are able to find something and hopefuly it will be something you like doing.

Donald Said:

Does your previous employer have to pay part of your unemployment pay?

We Answered:

No. But just like you get a surcharge on your auto policy when you have an accident, you get a surcharge on your unemployment taxes when you have people filing claims. The more the claims, the higher the surcharge.

So your filing a claim, would raise how much they pay, from (example) 3% of payroll, to 5% of payroll.

You should also file a complaint with your state department of labor.