Returning to a former employer: A potentially successful pathway to ex-prisoner re-employment

Abstract

This study examines to what extent ex-prisoners return to their pre-prison job and identifies factors that facilitate or hinder this outcome. Data from a longitudinal study of Dutch pretrial detainees were analyzed to examine whether those who were employed at the time of arrest returned to their pre-prison employer, found new employment, or remained jobless in the first half year following prison. Results show that one in three employed ex-prisoners found employment through their previous employer. The findings emphasize the relevance of recent employment ties for successful reintegration and add nuance to the assumption that employers are reluctant to hire this group of workers.