LWC offers bonding services to state employers

BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) offers bonding services for hard-to-place job seekers under the Fidelity Bonding Program. The federal bonding program provides insurance to employers that protects against employee dishonesty and acts as an incentive to hire at-risk applicants.

Fidelity Bonding covers theft, forgery, larceny and embezzlement. Persons qualifying as at-risk job applicants, whom are eligible for bonding services, include:

• Ex-offenders

• Recovering substance abusers

• Public assistance recipients

• Persons with poor financial credit

• Economically disadvantaged youth

• Adults lacking work history

• Individuals dishonorably discharged from the military

Individuals who are unable to secure employment without bonding also meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, bonds may be issued to cover current employees who need bonding in order to prevent being laid off or to secure a transfer or promotion to a new job at the company.

Fidelity bonds do not, however, provide liability coverage for job injuries, work accidents or poor workmanship, and are not needed for self-employment.

“Our agency is proud to once again provide federal bonding services to Louisiana’s employers,” said Ava Dejoie, LWC Executive Director. “It gives them peace of mind as they work to develop a highly effective staff, while removing a barrier to employment for at-risk job applicants, giving them an opportunity to re-establish themselves as contributing members of society.”

Bond insurance issued ranges from $5,000 - $25,000 for a 6-month period with no deductible. The bond can be issued to employers once the applicant has received a job offer with a scheduled start date.

For more information about the Fidelity Bonding program, visit laworks.net.

About The Louisiana Workforce Commission

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is an agency of state government that administers programs designed to enhance workforce growth and provide family-sustaining jobs for Louisiana residents. The commission monitors employment, administers unemployment compensation and tax funds, provides training resources for employers and employees and oversees worker compensation benefits. The agency also gathers and supplies information on the labor market and occupational sectors in Louisiana.

###