For the estimated 70-100 million Americans with a criminal record, the path to gainful employment is strewn with obstacles. Surveys show that over 90% of employers conduct background checks, with many automatically disqualifying applicants with felony convictions.
This creates a vicious cycle, as lack of employment is a key factor that leads to recidivism. The grim reality is that 60-75% of ex-offenders are jobless a year after release, and those who do find work take home 40% less pay annually.
But the rapid rise of gig economy platforms like Grubhub has brought a glimmer of hope. These app-based companies have disrupted traditional hiring norms, often imposing fewer barriers for workers with checkered pasts. But does Grubhub truly welcome reformed felons into its ranks of drivers? Let‘s dive deep into the data and policies surrounding this critical question.
Understanding Grubhub‘s Background Check System
Grubhub mandates that all applicants consent to a background check as part of the driver onboarding process. This screening is performed by Checkr, a third-party service that offers AI-powered background checks for many major gig employers.
According to a Checkr case study, their system reviews Grubhub candidates for any felony and misdemeanor convictions at the county, state, and federal level over the past 7 years. They also scan the National Sex Offender Public Website and pull the applicant‘s full Motor Vehicle Report to assess their driving record.
If criminal history is detected, the report is escalated to Grubhub for further review. The company states that it then evaluates the severity and recency of the offenses and whether they are relevant to the role before deciding to approve or reject the candidate.
Grubhub‘s background check policy aims to strike a balance between giving ex-offenders an opportunity while protecting customers and the brand from undue risk. However, the 7 year lookback window is less than the indefinite timeframe used by many traditional employers, opening the door for many felons to be considered.
Real-World Results: Do Felons Actually Get Hired by Grubhub?
So how does Grubhub‘s relatively progressive background check policy play out in practice? The anecdotal evidence from online forums and discussion boards paints a nuanced picture:
"I have a 6 year old felony drug conviction and was sure I wouldn‘t get hired. But I was upfront about it and got approved with no issues. Grubhub seems to be pretty accepting as long as you‘re honest." – Emily D.
"I applied a few months after getting released from a 3 year sentence for robbery. Thought I had no shot but figured why not try. Got the rejection email 2 days later. Seems violent and theft-related felonies are the hardest to get past." – Marcus J.
"I‘ve got two felonies that are almost a decade old now. Was really stressed applying but got the green light from Grubhub after a week. Feels amazing to have an opportunity again after all these years." – Keith L.
"Did 7 years for aggravated assault and got out last year. Applied to Grubhub and a bunch of other delivery gigs. Got denied by all of them. Starting to lose hope that anyone will take a chance on me." – Damien R.
Based on these self-reported experiences, Grubhub does appear to frequently approve felons whose convictions are older, less serious, and not directly relevant to delivery work. However, those with violent/sexual offenses, crimes involving dishonesty, or recent felonies face a much steeper climb to getting onboarded.
Grubhub Compared to Other Gig Giants
Curious how Grubhub stacks up to other major gig economy players in its treatment of applicants with criminal records? Here‘s a quick rundown:
| Company | Hires Felons? | Felon-Friendly Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|
| Grubhub | Yes, with caveats | 3.5 |
| DoorDash | Yes, case by case | 4 |
| Instacart | Rarely | 2 |
| Postmates | Yes, with caveats | 4 |
| Uber | Yes, if 7-10 years have passed | 3 |
| Lyft | Yes, if 7-10 years have passed | 3 |
| Amazon Flex | Rarely | 1.5 |
As shown, Grubhub is generally in the middle of the pack when it comes to giving felons a fair shake. DoorDash and Postmates have a slight edge in their willingness to consider those with records, while Instacart and Amazon Flex very rarely approve felons.
The Gig Economy: A Beacon of Hope for Felons?
With the U.S. unemployment rate hovering around 3.5%, the labor market is undeniably tight. Yet those with felony records have been largely left behind, with a jobless rate estimated at over 27%. This disparity not only crushes the hopes of individual ex-offenders, but also dampens economic growth, strains social services, and fuels cycles of incarceration.
The explosive growth of gig work offers a ray of hope against this bleak backdrop. A 2020 survey found that 57 million Americans now freelance, with transportation-based gigs like delivery driving among the most accessible and popular.
What makes these app-powered opportunities a potential game changer for felons? A few key factors:
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Gig employers tend to have less restrictive background check policies than traditional companies, giving those with a record a foot in the door.
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The independent contractor model means workers aren‘t subject to the in-person interviews, office politics, and co-worker dynamics that can heighten stigma against felons.
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Delivery drivers have minimal direct contact with customers, reducing perceived risk and liability for companies.
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The sheer volume of gig workers needed means platforms can‘t afford to automatically write off 1 in 3 American adults with a criminal record.
Of course, gig work is far from a panacea for ex-offenders. Pay is often low, benefits non-existent, and job security elusive. But for felons hungry to regain a sense of purpose and take a first step toward societal reintegration, a gig with a platform like Grubhub can be utterly life-changing.
Advice for Felons Applying to Grubhub and Other Gigs
If you have a record and are eager to seize the earning potential of gig work, here are some expert tips to boost your odds of success:
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Know your rights: Many states and cities now have "Ban the Box" laws that limit when and how employers can inquire about criminal history. Research the rules in your area.
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Apply broadly: Cast a wide net by signing up for multiple gig platforms. If Grubhub denies you, try DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, etc.
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Be honest yet judicious: Never lie about your record, as it will come out in the background check. But you can be strategic in how you frame it (e.g. "I had a conviction 6 years ago but have maintained a clean record since").
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Lean into your rehabilitation story: Use your bio or a cover letter to highlight how you‘ve rebuilt your life through work, education, volunteering, sobriety, faith, family, etc. Show how you‘ve grown.
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Gather positive references: Reach out to former employers, teachers, mentors, even parole officers who can vouch for your work ethic and character. Submit these testimonials to strengthen your profile.
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Make the most of your second chance: If you do get approved for gig work, go above and beyond to excel in your role. Your track record of reliability and performance will open doors to other opportunities.
The Path Forward: Fostering Opportunity for All
The reluctance of employers to hire felons is understandable yet short-sighted. While liability concerns are real, studies have found that employees with criminal records have lower turnover rates and more company loyalty.
Gig economy companies like Grubhub are uniquely positioned to tap into this overlooked talent pool and lead the charge in breaking down barriers. By nimbly balancing risk mitigation with individual empowerment, these platforms can do well by doing good.
But the onus isn‘t just on employers. Policymakers need to assess what‘s working and what‘s failing in our re-entry infrastructure. This means adequately funding proven rehabilitation programs, enacting thoughtful "clean slate" legislation, and creating incentives for companies that hire and train ex-offenders.
At the individual level, we as a society must learn to extend empathy to those with a criminal past while still holding them accountable. A felony conviction shouldn‘t be a life sentence to unemployment and stigma. Those who have served their time and are committed to change deserve a meaningful shot at redemption.
For the millions of Americans with a record, the road ahead is dauntingly steep. But with the rise of opportunities like Grubhub, a light flickers at the end of the tunnel. By knocking on enough doors—or rather, clicking "Apply" on enough apps—felons might just find a platform willing to look beyond their worst mistake. In the gig economy, a second chance is just a smartphone screen away.
