Students in Otago are struggling to find work, with earnings through Student Job Search (SJS) down more than 10% on corresponding income last year.
New figures from Otago University Students' Association (OUSA) showed that to the end of July, students earned $3.319 million through SJS, a drop of more than $450,000 (12%) compared with the corresponding period last year.
The number of weeks worked by students this year also fell by 12%, with a total of 7145 weeks worked, compared with 8094 in the corresponding period last year.
OUSA president Francisco Hernandez said the figures showed students were struggling to find work.
''The figures are a disappointing read this month; all employment figures are down. It couldn't come at a worse time for students with allowance cuts already making life difficult,'' Mr Hernandez said.
In its recent survey of students, SJS was ranked as the second most important service OUSA provided, he said.
''Students are keen to work. What we need in Dunedin are the jobs that provide a chance for students and the public to make the most of the free service.''