National Union of Students (NUS) is calling for a student hardship fund and the option for students to retake or be reimbursed for the academic year, after new research showed that 81 per cent of students are worried about their future job prospects as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
NUS’ Coronavirus and Students Survey conducted in April 2020 revealed that 95 per cent of students are concerned about the impact of the epidemic on the economy.
The study involved nearly 10,000 students across all age ranges, learning experiences, nationalities and regions of the UK.
Data showed 74 per cent are worried about the risk to their final qualifications, while 33 per cent are at critical risk of being unable to access their education.
The survey also revealed that a huge 95 per cent of students expressed fears about the impact of the virus on the wider economy, and 81 per cent said they are concerned about their job prospects.
Many students are worried about the impact the pandemic will have on their employability, with a total of 71 per cent.
Following the survey, NUS announced new strategies that would aim to alleviate students’ concerns by launching its national Student Safety Net campaign on Wednesday, April 22.
NUS’ proposal calls for the UK government to provide comprehensive, urgent support for students that will include a “student safety net” and a “redo, reimburse, write off”.
The student safety net consists of a £60 million national hardship funded by the UK Government, accessible to all students who are currently in further and higher education.
This is an economic package for those who complete their qualifications during the current pandemic, providing access to a grant which can be used for training, reskilling or development.
This action was led by the Scottish government and will accommodate all students, including international students.
The second part of the proposal, referred to as a “redo, reimburse, write off”, addresses those who wish to redo this year at no further cost, with full maintenance support.
This also ensures those returning to education next year receive high-quality education, training and support.
The proposal includes reimbursement of one year’s course, college or tuition fees for students who have paid upfront, or a write-off of one year’s debt for those who have paid through loans.
Current students at NTU expressed their view on this matter, saying whether they agree or not with such measures to be implemented.
Second year Journalism student Alex Mace, 20, said: “I’m really not surprised that a call for such a fund has been raised, to be honest.
“The last few months have been plagued with uncertainty and I won’t be surprised if the months to come are just as unpredictable.
Alex added: “Whether or not it’ll get approved, I’m not quite confident but with a future generation of careers on the line.
“It’d be dangerous for it not to be considered.”
While some stand by NUS’ initiative, there are students who believe other matters should be prioritised during this challenging time.
Also a second year student Journalism student Emma de Duve, 20, said: “I completely get why the fund has been suggested but I’m not sure I necessarily agree.
“Whilst I understand everyone has different home circumstances and I believe everyone should get the help they need, I think this fund could cause more problems.
“If hundreds of students wanted to retake the year it may make everything more hectic.
“I believe money should be going into supporting less advantaged students in the current circumstance.”
Speaking at NUS’ Student Safety Net campaign launch, Zamzam Ibrahim, NUS National President, said:
“We urgently need a student safety net for all students across the UK. Coronavirus has hit thousands of students in the pocket and severely affected the quality of their learning.
“The current crisis has shown that students occupy the worst of all possible worlds – with the majority paying extortionate fees for their education and are treated as consumers but are left out in the cold when the product cannot be delivered as described.
“On top of this, thousands of trainee ‘key workers,’ such as healthcare students, are currently racking up debt whilst having their education disrupted or volunteering to fight coronavirus on the frontline.
He also criticised the student maintenance support, saying it is “inadequate”, and said that “the government has failed to address the various cost of living crises for students in everything from housing to transport to course costs.”
NUS National President also addressed the difficulties students face in terms of having access to online materials.
He added: “Face-to-face teaching and assessments have had to be hurriedly moved online, and placement and other practical activity has had to be cancelled.
“Students have lacked access to key resources, such as libraries and spaces, disabled students have been left unsupported, and students and staff have been struggling with other demands on their finances, welfare and wider lives as lockdown restrictions are enforced.
“The impact of this disruption will not be felt equally, with those on placements and disabled students feeling the impact particularly severely.
“Students are being forgotten during the Covid-19 pandemic. We are the future workforce that will have to help to rebuild our economy over the coming years.
“Students must not be forgotten. A Student Safety Net will demonstrate that this government cares about the students of today and recognises the role of all students in our future.”
By Olimpia Zagnat
Feature photo credit: Pixabay