As the nation’s unemployment rate remains high, many of the long-term unemployed are facing a new barrier to work: unemployment discrimination. Potential employers are refusing to hire them for no reason other than their unemployed status. Being unemployed is tough enough without facing such discrimination from employers. The New York City Council recently passed a law, which will take effect of June 11, 2013, which prohibits an employer and employment agencies from discriminating against prospective employees on the basis of their unemployment. N.Y.C. Admin. Code. §§ 8-107(21)(a)(1)-(2), Int. No. 814-A.

According to the new law, “unemployed” or “unemployment” means: “not having a job, being available for work, and seeking employment.” The law prohibits employers and employment agencies from making an “employment decision with regard to hiring, compensation or the terms, conditions or privileges of employment on an applicant’s unemployment.” If you are applying for a job in New York City after June 11, 2013, and you believe that the prospective employer has refused to hire you based on your unemployment status, you should protect your rights by consulting with an attorney.