The number of full-time students with jobs rose by 54% in the past 10 years to 630,718, according to figures released by the Trade Unions Congress (TUS) and the National Union of Students (NUS).

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber says: "More and more students are being forced to look for paid work not only because they need the cash to survive each term at university, but also because they want to avoid running up massive debts by the time they graduate.

"This is especially the case among young people from poorer backgrounds who can't rely on regular financial support from their parents.

"Of course, working gives young people valuable experience which may help them secure that all-important first job and they are less likely to have money worries."

The TUC/NUS report, All Work and Low Pay, says 55% of young people from managerial and professional backgrounds work. The figure rises to 61% for those with manual work backgrounds.

The report adds that student employment was concentrated in the retail and hospitality sectors, with around 40% working in shops and 21% in bars, hotels and restaurants.

NUS president Gemma Tumelty said students needed to "become more empowered around their rights to decent pay and working conditions".