SDLP Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin
She was speaking as the SDLP made an appeal for third-level students to make their views known in a survey circulated today.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The plight of third level students has been largely ignored by the Economy Minister who is responsible for the university and further education sectors.
“Students are one of the few groups in our society who have received no direct financial support, despite bearing a heavy impact of the pandemic through ongoing rent demands, student fees and lack of part-time work.
“Students are paying extortionate fees for education they cannot fully access, huge accommodation costs for homes they cannot stay in and many have lost their part time jobs in retail and hospitality.
“The benefits system is stacked against them as they cannot access Universal Credit.
“Small top ups to the Student Hardship Grant are welcome but don’t even begin to address the level of need there is.
“It is not good enough and students deserve better.
“We will keep fighting for a fair support package that meets the needs of students, enabling them to continue studying and preventing any further financial distress.
“However, we want to hear from students directly about how COVID-19 has impacted them. Today, we have launched a survey and encourage all students and young people to respond.
“We will hear your stories and take your fight directly to the Economy Minister.
“We are determined not to allow her to fail students anymore.”
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