Chartered Accountant trainees (and I believe it's the same for Chartered Management Accountants (CIMA)) do their training through employer sponsorship and hence are employed. I was never aware of any trainee getting student discount cards or NUS membership.
As I said below, there are individual arrangement in place with some institutes such that their trainees obtain the NUS associate card.
You have to take the initiative to organise that (which would include some cost), as it is not something that you receive by right.
I have earnt more than my £5k relief amount gross, but iirc monthly salary was deducted on the basis of taxable_income/12, so if I am unemployed still in April 2007, I would have overpaid my income tax (4 months income tax < relief amount)
Your employer has cocked up, and you need to speak to your tax office, which is noted on your payslip, or end of year tax form (if you had a declaration signed with that employer stating that you were a student).
Alternatively, fill in a tax return (request one from the tax office).
SAYE back off of my ex-employer I shall be a happier man
Pension, or what?