Many U.S. employers now check job applicants’ credit histories and use this information in making hiring decisions. This practice blocks qualified workers from desperately-needed jobs — including people whose credit was damaged as a result of medical debts, divorce, layoffs or other life events beyond their control. Employment credit checks also discriminate against low-income New Yorkers and people of color, who have been disproportionately affected by the economic downturn and predatory lending practices.
