Have we travelled in time and gone back to the middle ages??

*****

https://www.rootstowork.org/jobs/?dg=r2w&job_id=5427&

Cider Maker

Tucketts Farm
Newton Abbot, Devon

Posted: 14 Aug 2024
Deadline: 26 Sep 2024
Compensation: Compensation via cider

Job description

Cider Maker Needed

Location: Farm in Devon, near Newton Abbot

We are seeking a skilled cider maker to join our farm team. Your primary responsibility will be to inspect and ensure the quality of a previously made batch of cider, verifying it is fit for purpose. This is a unique opportunity for someone passionate about cider making and interested in a hands-on role in a beautiful rural setting.

We have 12 acres of ancient cider orchards and a 17th century cider house with press that we hope to restore. Varieties of cider apple include Sweet Alford, Teign Harvey, Charles Ross, Bickington Grey, Peasgood Nonsuch, Sheep’s Nose, Slack Ma Girdle, etc. We are licensed for on and off sales.

The next batch of cider making is due to begin in October starting with apple picking.

Key Responsibilities:

Inspect and evaluate a pre-made batch of cider for quality and taste.
Provide expert advice on improvements and adjustments to existing stock if necessary.
Collaborate with our team on future cider-making processes beginning with this years crop of possible

Compensation: Payment will initially be made in cider from our farm's collection.

Application information

Please send your application and cover letter stating why you are a good fit for this role. Send a CV and cover letter to jose@tuckettsfarm.co.uk.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Please mention Roots to Work when applying for these jobs

About Tucketts Farm

Tucketts Farm is a small farm based in Devon. The farm rears sheep, goats, chickens and other animals, and feeds them a natural diet. The farm also produces cider with apples grown on the farm.

*****

I had a look on their fb page, which is mostly pics of sheep and drone shots of their farm, admittedly in a lovely setting. There was this post about the cider from back in March:

'We’ve still got our lovely cider available to buy. Six different brews, each unique and made only with apples from our farm. Nothing else added other than care and time. DM us to book an appointment to come and try some. 3 litres for £25. Rumour has it that we may be opening our Cider House more frequently soon too 🍺🍎' - https://www.facebook.com/TuckettsFarm/posts/pfbid02jGCXQ4jLTgpn58eNHeroSJPmHiq5yJ1SYX2Jqy8BiofxMQ8GgvsYsBDrc3btZnK7l

So call it 2 litres per hour if there's somewhere you can sell it on to, and maybe it's not a complete piss take, otherwise... who do they think they are??

They also had this, which seemed similarly dubious:

*****

https://www.rootstowork.org/jobs/?job_id=5428&

Farm/Odd Job Helper

Tucketts Farm
Newton Abbot, Devon

Posted: 14 Aug 2024
Deadline: 26 Sep 2024
Compensation: Compensation via accommodation (see advert for details)

Job description

Tucketts Farm is situated in South Devon near Newton Abbot and has a stunning view overlooking the Teign estuary. It is 63 acres consisting of gardens, cider orchards, woodland, pastures and marshland. We require an odd -job person/couple who will be responsible for various farm duties

The responsibilities include and are not limited to managing/ maintaining glamping (one bell tent for 4 to 6 guests, composting toilet), helping with farm duties (mainly sheep, chickens and goats at the moment) and cider making, apple picking, selling at farmers markets, and general maintenance. Establishing and maintaining vegetable garden.

You will be part of a team of farm workers.

Benefits:

Space for yurt/ camper/ teepee with water supply
Laundry
Shower
Use of freezer
Discount on meat when available
Free eggs, veg and fruit when available

Number of hours required per person - 15 weekly

Compensation: Compensation will be in the form of lodging in exchange for the weekly commitment of hours. We have plenty of space on the farm for setting up a yurt/tent/etc that you will need to own/set up. Timesheets have to be filled in and submitted every week.

No pets allowed.

Application information

Application: To apply please send a CV and covering letter explaining why you are a good fit for this role. 2 references are required for this position. Please send to jose@tuckettsfarm.co.uk.

*****

It might be the only workaround for them for not paying minimum wage, especially since the £50/week live-in loophole was closed*, but still, talk about feudal! I'm hoping we'll be able to find an employer who still believes in the old fashioned concept of paying money for the work you do... Wish us luck!

cheers,
I

See this LWA report: https://landworkersalliance.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Traineeships-update-June-2024.pdf