The Stigma of Unemployment: Is “Current Employment” a Discriminatory Requirement?

Some ads for jobs state a preference or requirement of “current employment.” And, in fact, many employers shy away from someone who is unemployed. Once a person is unemployed, it takes an average 35 weeks to find a new job. Often, the next job pays less than the previous one. Older workers and African Americans are the most affected groups. Oregon prohibits “unemployment discrimination.” New Jersey lawmakers passed a similar law in 2014, but Gov. Christie vetoed it. For more, see: http://www.employmentmattersblog.com/2014/08/governor-christie-vetoes-new-jersey-unemployment-discrimination-bill/. A narrower version of the law is on the books, however. For a case imposing a $1,000 penalty for an unlawful ad, see: http://law.justia.com/cases/new-jersey/appellate-division-published/2014/a0417-12.html