Education minister Margaret Hodge has said she is comfortable with the idea of students working part-time to fund their studies.

Responding to recent claims by the National Union of Students that undergraduates would be better off on the dole, Hodge pointed to opinion poll findings that most students thought the money was a good investment.

Forum Response: Universities UK

Diana Warwick, chief executive of Universities UK, told ePolitix.com: "Vice-chancellors have been concerned about student hardship for some time. Indeed, Universities UK has commissioned a study to examine attitudes to and perceptions of debt among existing students. Due to report in December 2002, this project will also aim to assess the level and impact of term-time working among students.

"Universities UK is also making representations to the government's ongoing review of student finance.

"Universities work hard to try to make sure that their students are successful in their studies and will offer support and guidance to anyone who is in difficulties through combining work and study.

"For example, most universities provide 'job shops' to help students find suitable employment during their studies. UK universities also offer an increasing range of new and flexible routes to higher education, including open and distance learning, part-time study or work-based learning, with teaching methods using new learning technologies.

"Indeed, it is testament to UK universities that despite years of underfunding, the UK has one of the best records on retention in the OECD and UK graduates are generally very satisfied."

Forum Response: Association of University Teachers

Sally Hunt, assistant general secretary of the Association of University Teachers, told ePolitix.com: "The high incidence of term-time working is the latest sign of a two-tier university system.

"While there is nothing wrong with students seeking employment during the vacation or to supplement their income, it is a world apart from the existence of students forced into work just to meet the basic costs of living.

"Undoubtedly students are better off in university than on the dole, however, it is time Ministers involved stakeholders and interest groups in their review of student financial support."