Newspapers have been full of doomladen tales about graduate employment. The class of 2009 has entered one of the worst job markets in recent memory. But the impact of the recession on students does not end there: for those either starting or returning to a course this autumn the chances of finding part-time employment are likely to be similarly affected.

For most full-time undergraduates, part-time employment is a vital source of supplementary income. Many studies indicate that at least 50 per cent of students work during term time and a higher percentage during holidays. About 70 per cent of those who work say they do so to cover basic living expenses.

Although students now face greater competition for such jobs, they can take steps to maximise their chances. Most universities have a job shop, which will help to write CVs and personal statements and advise on interview techniques. Student unions often employ large numbers of student staff, usually on good pay. The trick is to apply before term starts because any jobs are usually gone by Freshers’ Week.

Self-employment can also be fruitful. If you have particular skills, such as design or computer programming, you can advertise these on sites such as Student Gems.

One of the most common questions the National Union of Students is asked is how many hours a student should work: 16 hours a week is often mentioned. However, the answer depends on your circumstances — a history student with ten hours of formal classes a week might be able to work more than a medical student with 35. Research indicates a correlation between a high number of hours worked and the likelihood of a lower degree classification. Consider when you work too; night shifts pay better but can have a deleterious effect on coursework. You should be paid at least the minimum wage — £4.83 an hour from October if you are aged 18 to 21 or £5.80 an hour if older. All employees are entitled to a written contract and a rest period if their shift is six hours or longer.

A list of rights is available on www.direct.gov.uk/employees. One way to ensure that these are upheld is to join a trade union.

Another issue to consider is tax. Students are liable for income tax, contrary to popular belief. Most, however, do not earn above the personal allowance (the amount everyone can earn before tax is applied, £6,475 in 2009-10), and can seek a refund.

National Association of Student Employment Services, www.nases.org.uk; www.studentgems.com; www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax

David Malcolm is student finance researcher at the National Union of Students

Nat West Student Living Index 2009

1 Brighton (4)
2 Liverpool (8)
3 Glasgow (13)
4 Reading *
5 Manchester (24)
6 Bristol (6)
7 Leicester (20)
8 Cambridge (2)
9 Oxford (21)
10 Edinburgh (18)
11 Birmingham (22)
12 Leeds (7)
13 Plymouth (1)
14 Cardiff (17)
15 Portsmouth (5)
16 Newcastle (11)
17 Dundee (3)
18 Norwich *
19 Nottingham (15)
20 York (19)

* new entry this year
Previous year’s ranking in brackets

Analysis of weekly living costs compared with weekly earnings from part-time work

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