Abstract

This Policy brief identifies the key challenges working students face and puts forward the case for policy change to address the impacts term-time work can have on students.

The combination of the need to work, pressurised working environments and the scheduling power zero-hour contracts give to hospitality employers can position young and financially disadvantaged students into vulnerability. Students work in hospitality to earn money and fit work around their schedules but the work they take on can have detrimental impacts on their wellbeing and academic performance.

Young students on zero-hour contracts constitute a hitherto unrecognised vulnerable worker group and new policies are required to improve the working lives of students who work.