UCU response to NUS research into impact of cost of living crisis on students

Responding to the NUS report UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'Being at university should be a joyous experience but students are instead living at the sharp end of a cost of living crisis. Millionaire ministers have yet to show they care and financial support from universities has been patchy and piecemeal. It is unacceptable.

'At the same time, over a decade of pay cuts and the rampant use of insecure contracts leaves staff also unable to make ends meet, with some visiting food banks and getting into shocking levels of debt to afford the basics.

'This situation is a damning indictment of a higher education system that works for neither staff nor students. Next week university workers take historic strike action to fix the sector and are proud to have the support of students from across the UK. On 30 November, students and staff will stand together at a national rally in London to highlight the injustices in higher education.

'Before this crisis becomes any worse, university staff are urging the government and university leaders to step up urgently and support students.'