A CAMPAIGN has been instigated by the Bridge Project a partnership between the public and the private sector in Dublin city with the aim of trying to get young offenders back into the work force.

Speaking yesterday at the formal inception of the "Just One Job" campaign, the Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen said. "Employment for young offenders is a good investment for the community. It stops the cancer of crime and creates a safer community."

The Bridge Project is run by a board and includes representatives of the Probation Service, the Garda Siochana, the judiciary, the ICTU, employers and statutory bodies such as the Dublin VEC and FAS.

It is aimed at 16 to 25 year olds and those completing the scheme have already had success in finding employment.

In this latest campaign, launched yesterday, the organisation is trying to get employers to offer more jobs to former serious crime offenders.

The reaction from employers who have taken on Bridge Street trainees has been positive, according to the organisation.

One employer said. "At the end of the 10 weeks I was reluctant to let this young man go. I was delighted to offer him a full time position."

Ms Anne Ryan, manager of Bridge Project, said that the campaign was "in all our interests. All members of society gain by reducing re-offending".