Part-time local work for farmers or spouses

If you or your spouse have time on your hands and could do with an extra income you may be entitled to work on a part-time basis and add almost €13,000 a year to your income.

The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) operating in East Cork is now recruiting participants for the autumn. The search is also on for suitable local community projects or potential projects within East Cork which are run by non-profit organisations.

This situation is replicated throughout the country as many LEADER Groups who administer the scheme also seek participants.

The aim of the RSS is to fill a void for farmers looking to get back into part-time employment as well as keeping farming going.

The scheme encourages the development of individual skills by locating participants in a wide range of community projects.

These projects may vary from environmental work, cultural projects, community enhancement activities (tidy towns), GAA and sporting projects, office duties to social care projects.

Local communities benefit from the experience and skills of people on the scheme, the aim of which is to provide additional income support for farmers (and fishermen) who are currently in receipt of long-term social welfare payments, including Farm Assist.

How much will you be paid?

The level of payments will depend on your specific circumstances and existing social welfare payment.

The total weekly amounts payable under RSS will be calculated by adding a top-up allowance from the RSS budget to your existing social welfare payment.

The total weekly payment to a participant with an adult dependent is €248.60, with an additional €16.80 for each child dependent at the full rate or €8.40 at half rate. The rate for those without dependents is €159.20.

Many participants will have little or no tax deducted and all participants will have the benefit of a class A PRSI stamp which is very worthwhile as it will provide you with a range of benefits, including dental care and contributory pension.

Flexible hours

Under the operation of the scheme farmers, or their spouses, work 19.5 hours per week for 52 weeks, possibly longer.

These hours are flexible and will be based around farming activities. There is also an additional payment for taking part on the scheme.

Those interested in finding out in confidence if they qualify for the scheme should their local LEADER or Udaras na Gaeltachta office for details.

If you live in the East Cork area contact Jennifer Heffernan, RSS Coordinator, East Cork Area Development Ltd. 021-4613432. Email: jheffernan@ecad.ie