Due to plans to close the Daugavgriva prison, approximately 150 to 200 correctional facility employees may lose their jobs, Justice Minister Inese Libina-Egnere said in an interview with the LETA agency.
The minister emphasized that there is currently an active selection of staff for work at the new Liepaja prison in preparation for an increase in the number of inmates.
Employees from both the Jelgava and Daugavgriva prisons have expressed their willingness to relocate to work in Liepaja.
All employees will undergo additional training, as the new prison is based on different principles in terms of technology and approaches to resocialization, the minister noted.
At the same time, the salaries of correctional facility staff have been significantly increased, and according to the minister, interest in the jobs is high despite the overall shortage of workers in the country.
Speaking about the plans to close the Daugavgriva prison, the minister indicated that around 150-200 correctional facility employees may lose their jobs; however, this number is not yet precise and may be known by the middle of next year.
The minister explained that the reduction in staff is related not only to the closure of the prison but also to the technological solutions implemented in the new Liepaja prison, which reduce the need for personnel.
At the same time, some employees prefer to retire after their years of service.
Employees were already aware of the creation of the new prison and the gradual closure of older correctional facilities, so there is no significant resistance to the changes, the minister noted.
It was previously reported that the construction of a new women's prison in Cesis is also expected soon with the support of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism, as the existing correctional facility does not meet modern standards.
Construction is planned to begin in 2028 and be completed by 2031. The total cost of the project is estimated at around ten million euros.
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