A job advert requiring a gardener to be at work 365 days a year has drawn sharp criticism from a union head.

The advert, run by Gibbons Management Services Ltd. in yesterday's The Royal Gazette, requires a gardener for Palm Grove Gardens for propagating and selling nursery plants.

It reads: "This position also includes 365 days-per-year care of the parrots of Palm Grove.

"The successful applicant must be able to demonstrate and excellent working knowledge of parrot care and feeding."

Last night Bermuda Public Services Union President Nigel Pemberton said: "You have to have an alternate to cover sickness, deaths and holidays.

"It's worded incorrectly. It shouldn't put 365 days - no one works 365 days a year. You must have an alternate."

Mr. Pemberton said the advert broke the law. "It takes us back to the dark ages," he said.

The Royal Gazette contacted Gibbons Management Services Ltd. but was told the person handling the advert was off the Island and no one else could speak about it.