The Commissioner of Correction may permit any inmate of a correctional facility under his jurisdiction to be employed by any department or agency of the state, any political subdivision of the state or federal government or any private, nonprofit entity which desires to make use of the services of such inmates, provided participation by such inmates shall be voluntary. The employment of any inmate pursuant to this section shall not result in the displacement of employed workers, and shall not impair existing contracts for services. Any inmate employed under this section shall receive the same compensation he would receive if he worked within the correctional institution to which he is confined.