China ran a special campaign to clean up the labor market from February 1 to March 15 this year, investigating 9,977 allegations of fraud, closing 3,440 illicit job agencies and ordering the payment of 1.7 million yuan (US$205,562) in refunds and compensation.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS), Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Personnel and the State Administration for Industry and Commerce conducted the campaign.

MLSS spokesman Hu Xiaoyi said at a press conference on Thursday that the MLSS also plans to "show further concern" about workers laid off from state-owned enterprises due to reforms or bankruptcy.

"The ministry will also prompt more workers to sign contracts with their employers and enhance its supervision over the enforcement of contracts to protect the interests and rights of laborers," Hu said.

The ministry also pledged to punish any company that delays or cuts payment due to workers, especially the migrant rural workers, Hu said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 22, 2005)