A third of graduates struggle to get a job which merits the time, effort and cost of a degree, according to new research published today.

The survey, by the National Institute of Economic Social Research also found that universities are becoming "even more divided ... on line of wealth and class" because of the pressure on poor and working class students to take jobs to support themselves.

The NIESR studied the retailing, computer services, transport and communication industries.

Forum Response: Universities UK

Diana Warwick, chief executive of Universities UK told ePolitix.com: "This is one snap shot survey, and it has some interesting findings. However many other recent surveys have shown that graduates get good jobs and earn substantially higher salaries than non-graduates."

"Universities UK is concerned about the increase in term time working amongst students and has commissioned detailed research to look at this issue as part of a wider study of the impact of student funding changes."

"All universities, whether they are so-called "prestigious" or not, try to make sure their students are successful in their studies and will offer support and guidance to anyone who is in difficulties through combining work and study."

Forum Response: NATFHE - The University & College Lecturers Union

Paul Mackney, NATFHE general secretary told ePolitix.com: "The NIESR research reinforces the need for the government re-think on student maintenance grants. It provides even more evidence that the university experience for poor students is being blighted by poverty and debt - affecting their own performance and that of universities with the greatest commitment to widening participation."

"Students should be concentrating on their studies not working during term-time to pay the rent. If the government is serious about opening up higher education to disadvantaged young people, they'll have to convince them that pursuing a university degree is a worthwhile investment in their future, not a penance. The sooner the government decides to scrap up-front tuition fees and reintroduce maintenance grants, the better."

Association of University Teachers

A spokesman for the Association of University Teachers told ePolitix.com: "Today's research backs up what university lecturers have been saying for the last few years: the more students are forced in to part-time jobs, the less time they have to get on with their studies."

"An increasing number of our members report that their students' university experience is being seriously undermined by their need to work long hours in poorly paid jobs just to be able to feed themselves. Sadly most lecturers do not have the time, the resources or the training to be able to give these students the extra help and support they need. This is no way to invest in the future success of the country."

"We would urge a two-pronged strategy from the government: firstly, invest in university staff so that they are better equipped to deal with these problems and secondly reform student funding so as to put a stop to this waste of talent."