THE number of students forced to work to pay off debts and continue with their studies has increased dramatically over the past few years, new research has revealed. A study by the TUC and National Union of Students showed a 54 per cent rise in the numbe

THE number of students forced to work to pay off debts and continue with their studies has increased dramatically over the past few years, new research has revealed.

A study by the TUC and National Union of Students showed a 54 per cent rise in the number of full-time students who also had a job since 1996.

Students from poorer backgrounds are more likely to be forced to work to support themselves through higher education, it was found.

The report voiced concern that many of the jobs offered to students are concentrated in low-pay sectors such as retail and hospitality.

Students work an average of 14 hours a week, although one in five is putting in a 20-hour week, said the report.

Many students are working in shops, hotels and bars and are often "ripe for exploitation", it was warned.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "More and more students are being forced to look for paid work, not only because they need the cash to survive each term at university, but also because they want to avoid running up massive debts by the time they graduate.