JobBridge was established as a scheme to help unemployed people return to work. It offered upskilling opportunities for people to get €50/week from an employer, while retaining social welfare payments.

It sounds good in theory, but a 2015 survey showed that only around one-third of people in JobBridge held on to full-time employment, with 70% of those surveyed saying it was used as cheap labour.

Well, The Dealer notes that there are quite a few farming businesses looking to hire a bit of cheap(er) labour. Currently on the JobBridge website, there are 11 farms looking for applicants.

From “dairy farm operator” in Co Cork to a “farm assistant” in Tullamore to a “farm manager” in Co Kerry to a “poultry farm assistant” in Co Donegal, the farmers are all offering €50/week for nine months. Is it a way of giving solid training or getting very cheap labour at a time when incomes are struggling?

The Dealer is sceptical.