![\"3](\"http:\/\/www.anfocal.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/3-copy-570x237.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
By Tom\u00e1s Heneghan<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The University of Limerick Students\u2019 Union (ULSU) is to begin hiring part-time micro-pigs from the beginning of next month.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It is expected the animals will work primarily around the main Students\u2019 Union building, however they will also take up a position delivering fortnightly editions of An Focal.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ULSU President, Colin Clarke said of the new job opening: \u201cWe\u2019re proud to be offering this historic opportunity to hard-working and dedicated micro-pigs. We\u2019re a growing university and union and we can\u2019t continue as we are.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cThose interested in just lazing around the SU all day should avoid applying. What we\u2019re looking for is hard-working lads, pigs who\u2019ll do their fair share and of course deliver the paper in a professional manner.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
SU authorities have confirmed they will be taking on up to six micro-pigs and following a successful trial period, all six will likely be offered full-time contracts.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A number of sources, who did not wish to named, said there is also a general hope around the Union that a sleigh or carriage of some sort will also be invested in to make the work easier for the micro-pigs.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It is understood the Union hiring committee has already prepared staff t-shirts for the micro-pigs to distinguish them as \u201cleading members of the university community\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A general warning will also be issued soon to all students and staff clarifying that the pigs are employees and should not be treated as pets.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A leaked report from the SU, seen by An Focal reporters, says: \u201cAny student seen or reported petting, cooing over or picking up the new micro-pig employees will be subject to an on-the-spot fine of up to \u20ac500.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
There are also preparations underway to create new \u201cmicro-pig crossings\u201d around the off-campus housing estates to facilitate An Focal deliveries by the pigs.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Once introduced, the University of Limerick will be the first third-level institution and workplace in the country to include micro-pigs on its payroll.<\/p>\n