Valmiera prison chief urges employers to judge ex-inmates by skills, not their past

Valmiera Prison held an open house day on Friday, during which prison director Indulis Ceriņš addressed the issue of helping former inmates reintegrate into the labor market.

Ceriņš urged employers, when considering job candidates, to focus on practical skills and willingness to work rather than primarily on the fact that a person has a criminal record or has served time in prison.

The appeal came as the prison opened its doors to visitors, giving the public a chance to learn about the institution's operations. The prison director's remarks were aimed at shifting public and employer attitudes toward former inmates, emphasizing that a fairer approach could support their successful return to society after completing their sentences.