JACKSON, Miss. - A study released by the Mississippi Business Alliance (MSBA) Foundation and Magnolia Correctional Industries (MAGCOR) finds that Mississippi employers are broadly open to hiring individuals with prior justice involvement, highlighting an opportunity to strengthen the state's workforce.
The Fair Chance Hiring Study surveyed hiring decision-makers across Mississippi to assess employer attitudes, practices and barriers related to hiring formerly incarcerated individuals.
The study found that a majority of employers are willing to consider these candidates, with many citing a belief that “people deserve a second chance.” Among businesses that have hired from this talent pool, nearly 9 in 10 reported positive outcomes.
“Mississippi's workforce challenges require us to expand and better align our talent pipeline,” said Scott Waller, President of the MSBA Foundation. “This research shows that employers are willing, outcomes are strong, and with the right approach, fair chance hiring connects more Mississippians to meaningful work while strengthening our economy.”
The survey included responses from MSBA members, as well as input from the general business community across the state. Employers in both groups identified job readiness - particularly skills, work ethic and interview performance - as key factors in hiring decisions. The research also revealed a gap in awareness of available programs and incentives, especially among small businesses.
The report calls for a more coordinated, data-driven approach to connect employers with training, incentives and reentry programs, noting that Mississippi has lacked employer-informed data to guide a statewide strategy.
“This study confirms what we see every day - when individuals are prepared and supported, they can succeed in the workforce,” said Garrett McInnis, Executive Director of MAGCOR Industries. “By strengthening connections between employers, training programs and reentry services, we can create more opportunities while helping meet Mississippi's workforce needs.”
“Employment is often the first true vote of confidence someone receives after incarceration,” said Martha Claire Bullen, Chief Reentry Officer of MAGCOR. “When employers choose fair chance hiring, they are choosing to believe in redemption, resilience, and the power of work to heal families and communities.”
The study was conducted by the MSBA WorkFuture Institute for Workforce and Educational Excellence and supported through a subgrant from MAGCOR as part of a U.S. Department of Labor Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development (PROWD) grant administered by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.
The full report is available at www.workfuturems.com.