Students in summer jobs struggle

Student leaders fear debt burdens will increase over the summer

A survey has indicated undergraduates are struggling to find summer jobs because of the recession.

The National Union of Students Scotland fears many will graduate with extra thousands of pounds of debts.

More than 80% of university placement staff reporting a change said the number of job opportunities was down.

The response to a survey by the NUS confirmed anecdotal accounts of students spending hours handing in CVs to shops, cafes and call centres.

Those in rural areas with few employers are believed to be having a tougher time.

Student leaders fear without the chance to build up funds over the summer, debt burdens will increase.

A Scottish Government report has said students, on average, build up about £1,300 in commercial debt - through bank loans and credit cards.

The NUS said that when loans from the government are added, students in Scotland graduate with about £16,000 in debt.

However, figures from The Student Loans Company, which controls government funds, indicate students have debts averaging about £5,300 when they graduate.

Liam Burns, the president of the NUS in Scotland, said: "If they don't have that opportunity to top up their bank accounts over the summer months then they are going to return and there still will not be part-time jobs available during term-time either.

"That means we have serious concerns about students getting into even further commercial debt and debt they can't manage.

"Ultimately that will mean students will start dropping out."