Local News

More and more municipalities in Kyushu are starting to give preferential treatment in bids for public works projects to employers that hire ex-offenders. According to the Ministry of Justice, which administers the so-called “cooperative employers’ program”, 22 cities and towns in Japan have adopted programs to encourage the hiring of ex-offenders, and half of them are located in Kyushu. Kitakyushu City also plans to adopt the program in June. The recidivism rate among unemployed ex-offenders is five times higher than that for those who hold jobs. The aim of this program is to expand job placement opportunities for ex-convicts and promote their rehabilitation and re-entry into society. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 1/9