At LBSU, we’ve been working on a select few campaigns, all of which were green-lit by our community leaders. As the joint staff/student volunteer team working on the part-time work campaign, we have been busy coming up with an action plan for achieving a better deal for our working students here at Beckett. We have decided on a set short-term and long-term goal to keep the campaign moving forward at a decent pace.

Here’s a quick update on how we’ve been doing, and how you can get involved! 

The Long Term

Our main focus for this project is to ensure that the University is able to provide meaningful part-time work opportunities for our student community. These are ideally relevant to study, and work around the lifestyle of the average student. 

By building stronger partnerships with local employers, we aim to increase the availability of roles that:

• Relate to your field of study, giving you the chance to gain valuable work experience that complements your academic learning.

• Are close to campus, making it easier for students to juggle work and study without the added stress of long commutes.

The Short Term

To keep the ball rolling, and to see some short-term progress, we’ve decided on a goal that we can employ within the semester. 

Many students face challenges in the workplace, whether it’s understanding their entitlements or recognising when they might be victims of employment scams.

To tackle this, our team is working to ensure promotion of information for our students to access freely. This info will include;

• Rights at work: From pay rates to working hours, we want students to know what they’re entitled to under UK employment law.

• What to do if they face issues: If you feel you’re being treated unfairly or have concerns about your employer, we want to make sure you know exactly who to turn to for support.

• Spotting employment scams: With scams becoming more common, students need to be aware of potential red flags when seeking part-time employment.

Get Involved: Gain Experience and Make a Difference

While supported by SU staff, this campaign is open to all students who want to make a difference and help drive change for part-time work at Leeds Beckett. By joining the campaign, not only can you support the cause, but you’ll also have the opportunity to gain relevant experience in areas such as advocacy, campaign strategy, meeting etiquette and teamwork. It’s a great way to build skills that will benefit you now and in your future career.

Your feedback and support are essential to the success of this campaign. Whether you’ve already experienced challenges in finding part-time work or simply want to get involved in driving change, we’d love to hear from you. Keep an eye out for updates and events where you can share your thoughts and help us shape the future of part-time work at Leeds Beckett.

If you have any questions about the campaign, please email us at communityorganising@leedsbeckett.ac.uk or if you want to join the campaign, use this link: https://www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/campaign/part-time-work/