‘Hidden costs’ can pose issues for dairy farmers

DAIRY farmers need to know their rights and responsibilities before taking on new employees, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has cautioned.

Speaking at the Teagasc farm labour event in Thurles, WRC representatives warned farmers must educate themselves on the process to avoid problems down the line with work permits, contracts and time sheets.

Teagasc financial specialist Kevin Connolly stressed farmers must be aware of “hidden costs” with employees.

“If you hire the wrong person their poor performance can have both immediate and long term consequences on production,” he said, adding that benefits-in-kind can be another trap.

“With subsidised accommodation you must prove it is beneficial to the farm. It can be quite a tricky area,” he said.