Farm service seeks to recruit over 200 people for spring workload

Farm service company FRS Network is recruiting for more than 200 roles in relief milking, general farm labour and specialist operatives.

The company conducted a survey in its 20 offices nationwide and estimates it will have up to 226 seasonal roles to fill.

Chief executive Peter Byrne said: “We have over 2,000 operators working both full-time and part-time through FRS and we need additional staff to meet the demand.”

Over 20,000 farmers depend on FRS for labour and specialised services. Spring is the annual peak demand as farmers are stretched. FRS managers are planning ahead for this demand by developing a comprehensive team of reliable and experienced operators. It is expected this recruitment drive will take a number of people off the dole queues.

Mr Byrne said: “FRS calls on the Minister for Social Protection to address the current issue in relation to seasonal working in Ireland so that unemployed people will be encouraged to take seasonal jobs.

“They want to take jobs in the knowledge they will get their unemployment benefit/assistance reinstated immediately after the job finishes, rather than having no income for two, three or four weeks. FRS calls on the minister to make it more feasible for people on social welfare to take seasonal work opportunities like the ones offered by FRS.”

FRS is advising farmers to start planning for the extra workload now to ensure they are confident and fully insured in their selection of help. Those with vacancies to fill can contact their local FRS office, or call the national office on 0505 22100.