China will launch a nationwide crackdown on illegal labor practices from July to August, focusing on small brick kilns, coal mines and workshops, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security said on Wednesday.

The two-month crackdown comes as the issue of forced labor in brick kilns in the country's northern Shanxi Province shocked the country.

Investigations into slavery and forced labor will be another focus of the campaign.

Necessary medical care and compensation should be given to the rescued slave laborers, the notice said, noting that government officials involving in forced labor scandals would be punished severely.

A total of 359 people, including 12 children, have been rescued from illegal brick kilns in Shanxi province, the joint investigation group announced last Friday.