TRADE unions and students will launch a joint campaign today to fight against the government’s erosion of workers’ rights and its attack on education over the coming year.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady and new National Union of Students (NUS) president Megan Dunn will sign the joint agreement at Congress House, London.

The organisations will work together to fight discrimination on campuses, in workplaces and in wider society and to defend further and higher education from privatisation.

They will also pledge to engage students with the world of work, inform young workers of their employment rights and campaign for high-quality apprenticeships.

“The union and student movement share many values and challenges and this new partnership aims to increase our ability to campaign more effectively together,” said Ms O’Grady.

“Too many young people are bearing the brunt of the Chancellor’s failed economic plan, stuck in zero-hours, low-paid jobs, saddled with mountains of student debt.

“Every young worker should be in a trade union, to get their voice heard and their interests represented.”

Ms Dunn said: “I am proud that with this agreement we are reaffirming our historical partnership. Working together could not be more important.

“Faced with cuts to student support, an increase in debt and insecurity at work it is vital that in the year ahead we stand together.

“This agreement continues and builds on the success of our longstanding commitment to do just that.”