National survey results published today reveal that UK students are putting their studies first when it comes to working. Whilst 90% of the students surveyed are taking some form of part time or holiday job to supplement their income, the majority are keeping their working hours below the maximum recommended by most Universities.
According to the latest research from the National Student Jobs Survey published by JustStudentJobs.co.uk:
- 6 out of 10 student workers have both term time and holiday jobs
- 1 out of 10 students are getting paid below the national minimum wage
- Most students are working less than 16 hours per week
- Hours of work are considered more important than pay rates
28% of working students said that hours of work are the most important thing that they look for in their student job. Pay rates were rated top by only 18% of respondents. 65% also stated that balancing work with their studies was one of their biggest challenges and this may explain why part time working hours are so important for today’s students..
63% of respondents said that they were working less than 16 hours per week. 24% said that they worked between 16 and 25 hours per week and only 13% claimed to work more than 26 hours per week. Most universities recommend that students should not work more than 16 hours per week during term time to ensure that their part time work does not negatively impact on their studies.
Most students are working to fund living costs, shopping habits or their social life, but 1 in 4 working students are now claiming that their prime reason for working is to gain work experience that will make them more employable when they graduate.
23% of students that have worked in the past 12 months said that they only worked during holidays, 17% only worked during term time and 60% said they were working in both term time and holidays.
88% of working students said that they were getting paid at or above minimum wage levels but 11% claimed that they were being paid below national minimum wage levels, despite this being illegal for everything except voluntary work.
The National Student Jobs Survey was conducted by specialist job site JustStudentJobs.co.uk during the month of September 2015. Full survey results and further information can be viewed online at www.student-jobs.co.uk/news_articles.aspx.
