A job fair aimed at criminal offenders who have recently been released from prison and minor offenders doing community service was held by a district government in Beijing on Thursday.

Some Beijing-based enterprises and more than 70 released inmates and minor offenders attended the job fair which was jointly sponsored by Huairou District's Justice Bureau and the Labor and Social Security Bureau.

Nine job seekers signed work contracts at the fair and 20 others made oral agreements with seven companies. Their posts include warehouse keeper, security guard and printer.

A job seeker surnamed Zhang, who was previously convicted of rape, has just been released from prison and he was the first person at the job fair to sign a contract with his employer.

Liu Dianjun, general manager of Goumen Welfare Metal Processing Factory said employees in his factory are always given equal treatment whatever their backgrounds. Their salaries range from 1,000 yuan to 1,500 yuan.

In China's already-crowded employment market, it is always difficult for released prisoners to find jobs.

Mi Baiyang, director of the justice bureau of Huairou District, said, "We should treat the released prisoners and minor offenders equally and ensure that they can live independently, so as to promote stability and harmony."

(Xinhua News Agency September 29, 2007)