The balance of work and study

Although the employability of students in hotels is cheap and simple for employers as they are hired on a part time basis, working while in full time education can have harmful effects on the educational performance of the student. According to government figures more than half of full time students work during the academic year, on average full time students worked 14 hours a week, some even working up to 20 hours a week. Many students work to pay for their living costs, but the low pay means them having to work longer hours, these long hours have a pro-found effect on their ability to concentrate on their studies and a quarter of students studied admitted to missing lectures due to work, while almost one in five admitted to handing in work passed the deadline. 70% of students reported having reduced time to study, and felt increased stress levels due to combining work and their studies. (All work and low pay 2010).

The hotel and restaurant sector is reliant on casual staff, of which students make up a high proportion of. These are long hours for low pay, the average hourly rate of a retail job is £9.35 compared to the average hourly rate in a hotel which is £7.91. . (All work and low pay 2010).

As employment among students carries on growing there is a role for both trade unions and student unions to address the welfare needs of students, they must off support to students for both their work and studies commitments, and make sure that they are educated on the basic such as their minimum wage rights and offer support to make sure they are not been exploited through long hours and low pay. (All work and low pay 2010).

Employers have a duty of care towards their employees, they should understand that students although are a force of cheap labour are still in full time education and have to study at the same time. Students will put their education before their job and see work as little more than a way to earn money, this is the reason why students may get a bad press from employees and be judged as lazy and not bothered about their work.

Reference

All work and low pay (2010). Available: http://www.tuc.org.uk/extras/allworklowpay.pdf. Last accessed 15 Dec