York University Students’ Union (YUSU) have announced their first ever “Student Friendly Business Scheme.”
The scheme, broadly separated into two parts, will aim to integrate students into the city and community of York.
The scheme, which consists of both focusing on creating Student Friendly Businesses and implementing a Student Skills Exchange, will be the first of its kind in York.
Kallum Taylor, commenting on his manifesto pledge, tells Vision “If done in the right way, it really could be a win-win situation for our members and also local businesses. It has the potential to transform how York interacts with students for the better, and will take our current Student Community Partnership Strategy onto a whole new level.”
The focus on Student Friendly Businesses is described by YUSU as “a celebration of businesses which do things which are ‘student friendly’”. These include being located in “safe spots” and providing special offers to students.
YUSU hopes that businesses will give students priority over part-time job openings, when available, whilst paying students the Student Living Wage.
Taylor further comments: “Essentially it [the scheme] will save students money, give more opportunities for students to make money, make life easier for local businesses whilst also celebrating those who fully embrace our members.”
YUSU will also be putting pressure on student-friendly business to limit the number of hours a student can work to a maximum of 16, unless “it suits a student at a particular time of the year”.
Each case will be assessed individually, and businesses will be ranked on a bronze, silver, or gold status.
The implementation of a ‘Student Skills Exchange’ will consist of a database of students who want to put their own skills and expertise on the market.
The database will be advertised on either the YUSU Website or the UoY Careers website but YUSU has admitted it “may need to be set up by a separate company” to host these students.
YUSU hope that the business scheme will also entice business owners to work closer with student entrepreneurs.
In their plans, YUSU hopes business owners will “offer advice and guidance” to York’s student entrepreneurs whilst also stocking their goods and co-promoting services.