Since the Covid-19 pandemic, inflation and the cost-of-living crisis has soared, leaving many businesses out of their depth and many Teesside University students struggling to find part-time jobs.
The UK high street seems to have been hit hard.
We are seeing multiple stores and big-name brands being forced to close hundreds of premises.
So far we have seen Argos close its stand-alone stores, Boots confirm around 300 of its stores will close for good and Iceland has closed 11 of its stores.
Wilko, Debenhams and Topshop are closing all of their stores, and even Wetherspoons has closed 28 of its 827 stores, according to a report from news outlet LBC.
Many students at Teesside University rely on retail jobs as a source of income to cover the cost of rent, food and travel expenses.
These store closures are likely to impact students, whether that means they will lose their jobs or make it harder for them to find part-time jobs that work around their schedule.
Jo Booth, BA Hons Photography student, said: “I think it’s a real shame that the large store closures are happening in Middlesbrough because very often they are the employers that can offer more secure work with better terms and conditions.”
“I think for everyone, but especially students, having that security is really important.
“The problem is, small private sector employers may not have the variety of shifts and roles available that might meet student needs. I think it presents students with even more challenges to getting a job that fits for them.”
Fortunately for Teesside University students, the Student Union has plenty of job roles available across all their services.
Vacancies are frequently available to work in customer service, help to greet and advise visitors to the building, assist with the running of events or providing admin or technical support to departments. Check out the roles available at – https://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/stud/student_workers.cfm
Katie Clegg, BSc Hons Crime and Scene Science student, talked about the opportunities available at the student union.
She said: “The Student Union is really good for getting a student job because 80% of the union is ran by students.”
“Most of the staff there are first, second, third year or master’s students.
“I got the job in summer due to graduates leaving. As people leave, they hire more and there are loads of job opportunities like catering staff, bar staff, venue staff and technical staff.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for students because it works around their schedule so you give them your timetable and they will give you a permanent shift or a few permanent shifts and they are your shifts, and they are never going to change.”
If you feel that these store closures will impact your ability to find a part time job as a student, Teesside University also provides guidance for students finding a part-time job at the university or in the Teesside area, free of charge. Additionally, there is an online event provided by Teesside University on October 11 about finding a part-time job.
You can sign up for this event through this link – https://www.tees.ac.uk/depts/studentfutures/careers/events_details.cfm?event_id=14127
