LONDON, April 24 (Xinhua) -- KPMG is hiring ex-prisoners in a drive to help cut crime and re-offending rates, with the support of the British government.

The accounting firm has become the first white-collar British business to employ ex-offenders as part of a pilot program, and the British government has urged other major British companies to recruit ex-convicts after they served their prison sentences.

In a national campaign, the government said the scheme will help plug labor shortfalls and help ex-offenders turn their backs on crimes.

A spokesperson of the British Ministry of Justice said KPMG has successfully employed the first cohort of prison leavers in different roles, including technology development, and the firm is working with the ministry to encourage other big-name businesses to follow suit.

Edward Argar, minister of state for prisons, parole and probation, said the government is not only helping them start law-abiding lives but also providing businesses with the staff they need to boost the British economy.

Jon Holt, CEO of KPMG UK, said, "Our longstanding focus on social mobility is about giving everyone, regardless of their background, the chance to succeed. I believe reformed prison leavers should be no exception. We want to play our part in helping prison leavers turn their lives around." Enditem

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