Help, I didn’t get paid this month!

University of Manchester School of Social Sciences

Learn your rights at work! Students can join an interactive session on paid work, share experiences, and get tools to protect themselves.

Manchester Central Library

ESRC Festival of Social Sciences

Events organised by the University of Manchester as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Sciences

The L-earning research project looks at experiences of earning while learning, revealing that for most young people in education, paid work is a reality. But this work often comes with poor conditions – including low or no pay, insecurity, and even sexual harassment. The study also shows that many students aren’t aware of their rights or legal pay rates, and often feel unable to assert them.This session gives young people a chance to learn more about part-time working during full-time education. Hosted by academics, the event will give you the opportunity to:<ul><li>Learn about your rights at work</li><li>Discuss your work experiences with your peers.</li><li>Hear findings from the L-earning research project.</li><li>Connect with organisations and advice services that can support you.</li></ul>Our goal is to equip young people balancing full-time education with work with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate for their employment rights.What’s included in the session?<ul><li>Hands-on activities (including group discussions and an 'agony aunt' activity).</li><li>A discussion on where students can find information about work and their rights, and how this could be improved.</li><li>A Q&amp;A session on worker rights and conditions.</li></ul>Who can attend?This free event is open to students aged 14 and above who are currently working alongside their studies – or have done so in the past.Please note: The event is only open to students at local educational institutions in Manchester who have signed up in advance.This event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2025 and was made possible thanks to funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)Planning your visit:ACCESSIBILITY: If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact us by emailing kirsty.finn@manchester.ac.ukIMAGES: There may be photographs taken at the event. If you do not wish to be in any images, please make University staff aware at the event.