Nursery World - Cost of living crisis sees students cutting back on basic essentials

Apprentices and students are taking out loans, cutting back on food, or missing out on teaching time because they cannot afford to travel due to the cost of living crisis.

The NUS survey findings highlight the impact the rising cost of living is having on students and apprentices PHOTO Adobe Stock

Key findings from the survey of 3,500 apprentices, college and university students across the UK by the National Union of Students (NUS) reveal:

The survey was taken by more than 500 apprentices, for whom the minimum wage is as low as £4.81 an hour. Most apprentices said their wage will not be sufficient to cover the cost of living and accessing their education.

An apprentice studying with Lifetime training said, ‘It's a struggle all the time ,trying to make ends meet. I find myself now having to go to the food bank so I can get through the week even then there’s no point as I would have to use the electric to cook and then find myself not having enough to last the week if I do that, it's stressful just trying to get by.'

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included