UCU responds to news that universities are bailing out students as loans fiasco continues

As it was revealed that three-quarters of universities have had to bail out students with emergency funding because of delays to loans, the union said that it was simply not good enough for the Student Loan Company (SLC) to use increased student numbers at university as an excuse for its shambolic performance. UCU pointed out that it was well documented that there would be record numbers of students at university this year.
 
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'It is totally unacceptable that so many students are still waiting to receive money, particularly first year students. Universities are providing help where they can and it is vital students seek financial help and guidance from their institution and students' union, as we have real concerns about the loan sharks that are circling around some universities.
 
'I am amazed the SLC has the front to cite record numbers of students at university as an excuse for its shambolic performance this year; particularly on the back of previous years' shambles. A quick look at the UCAS figures as they were released throughout the year would have revealed that there would be a record number of students at university this academic year.
 
'Moving to university is a stressful and expensive time and to attempt to do that without finances that had been promised is just not on. Furthermore, as we all feel the pinch in these tough economic times, many parents, who will already have done their best to support their kids, will struggle to provide desperately needed funds for their offspring.'