Are employers allowed to ask job applicants about their criminal records?

In Virginia, employers are allowed to ask job applicants about their criminal record. This is considered a legal practice in the state, as long as employers follow certain guidelines when doing so. In general, employers are not allowed to deny employment solely based on the applicants’ criminal record. The law in Virginia requires employers to consider several other factors when evaluating applicants with criminal records, such as the time that has passed since the offense, the seriousness of the offense, and the applicant’s rehabilitation since the offense was committed. This means that employers must ensure that they are not discriminating against an applicant simply due to their criminal records. Additionally, employers are required to provide specific information about why they are asking about criminal records and how the results of the check will be used. The employer must also provide the applicant with written notice of the criminal record check and give the applicant an opportunity to discuss the results of the check. Overall, employers must follow certain guidelines when asking job applicants about their criminal records in Virginia. It is important for both employers and applicants to be aware of these relevant laws and ensure that they are followed when conducting criminal record checks.

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