Work opportunities provide hope and a chance for achieving success to newly-released Federal ex-offenders. Employers are encouraged to participate in creating opportunities to help individuals become law-abiding, productive citizens. Many ex-offenders are willing to start in minimum wage jobs that offer a future. The benefits of employing ex-offenders include:

Service to the public: By providing work opportunities, employers help ex-offenders become tax-paying citizens who contribute to the community, and give them a chance to share in the American dream. Skilled employees: Most ex-offenders have completed programs designed to help them develop the skills needed to achieve success in the "world of work." Many have had employment and training in UNICOR, and/or in vocational and occupational training programs. Some have valuable skills and can fill jobs for which skilled workers are hard to find. Possible eligibility for Government business incentives: Bonding programs:

UNICOR's Federal Bonding Program is available to eligible Federal ex-offenders.

For ex-offenders without UNICOR work experience, a prospective employer or employee may be eligible for the U.S. Department of Labor Employment & Training Administration's Federal Bonding Program (FPB).

Some states offer a free service that provides individual fidelity bonds to employers for job applicants with a conviction record. Check with your state's employment service.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): Gives an immediate contribution to an employer's "bottom line" by providing eligible employers with a Federal tax credit for hiring an ex-offender.

Job Training Partnership Act: Can reimburse some training wages; offers additional services that vary by state.

Ex-Offender Employment Resources