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Our service recognises that some students engage in sex work, and that students may choose to work in the sex industry for a wide range of reasons. Research from the Student Sex Work Project (2015) found that around 5% of students had been involved in sex work, while more recent research from Save the Student! (2023) indicates that 6% of students would consider turning to the sex industry in a financial emergency.
We support students’ right to make their own choices about their work, and are committed to providing confidential, non-judgemental advice and support to student sex workers who use our service. We are also dedicated to challenging the stigma attached to sex work, and will support any student sex workers who are facing discrimination, prejudice or negative treatment from UCL staff members.
What is sex work?
‘Sex work’ is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of activities that involve the exchange of sexual services or content for money or other goods. This includes work that involves direct physical contact, as well as work that involves indirect sexual stimulation.
Some examples of sex work are:
- Creating online content, such as internet or webcam services (e.g. OnlyFans)
- Acting in the adult or porn industry
- Nude or erotic modelling
- Dancing in strip clubs
- Escorting
- Selling sexual services
- Selling items for sexual gratification
Why do students enter the sex industry?
Students enter the sex industry for a wide range of reasons, and these reasons are often overlapping and change over time. Research consistently shows that financial pressures play a significant role for many student sex workers, alongside practical considerations around flexibility and control over working hours.
The NUS Student Sex Work Survey (2016) found that 67% of respondents were motivated to work in the sex industry to cover their living expenses, 53% to pay rent and 35% to contribute towards university fees. Other reasons included reducing debt after completing their studies, funding leisure or social activities, and choosing work that could fit around academic commitments.
What difficulties do student sex workers face?
Student sex workers can face a range of challenges, many of which are shaped by stigma and misunderstanding about sex work. Due to the stigma, working in the sex industry can be isolating, and may lead some students to keep their work a secret from their friends, family and their university.
Some student sex workers may also have concerns about their safety or wellbeing, including fears about experiencing harassment, abuse or violence from their clients. These concerns can be heightened by worries about how they will be treated if they seek help, including by the police or other services. The fear of being judged, disbelieved or penalised can make it harder for students to access support when they need it.
These challenges may be harder to navigate for students with intersecting identities, including international students, LGBTQ+ students, students of colour, disabled students, or students with insecure immigration status, who may face additional barriers to safety, support or being believed.
What are the laws surrounding sex work?
The laws around sex work in the UK are complex and can be difficult to navigate. Whilst it is legal to sell sex, many activities associated with sex work are criminalised, which can create uncertainty and risk for sex workers.
These criminalised activities include things like sharing premises with another sex worker, managing or working from a brothel and soliciting on the street.
If you would like to find more detailed information on laws surrounding sex work, Release have produced a Sex Workers and the Law booklet, which explains how the law applies in practice.
The English Collective of Prostitutes (ECP) has also put together a ‘Know Your Rights’ guide for sex workers, which may be helpful if you want to better understand your legal rights and options.
What support does the Advice Service provide?
Our Advice Service offers free, confidential advice and support on a range of issues including housing, academic and financial concerns.
You can contact our Advice team via this contact form.
We also have a team of Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs) who can support you if you have experienced sexual or gender-based violence, or if you want to discuss anything related to your experience as a sex worker. Our team provides a confidential, non-judgemental and safe space where you can talk openly and be listened to.
You can reach out to our SVLO team using this contact form.
Our service pledges to:
- Be non-judgemental, respectful and supportive to student sex workers who speak to us about their work.
- Provide advice and support on any issues you may face, including signposting to specialist services where appropriate.
- Adhere to our confidentiality policy at all times – this means that any information you share with us about your work will remain strictly confidential, unless in specific circumstances, as outlined in our Confidentiality Policy.
- Challenge stigma and misconceptions about sex work and actively work to create a safe, inclusive environment.
- Respect your agency, recognising that you are the expert in your own life.
- Support you if you face discrimination or negative treatment from UCL staff members or others within the university.
What support services are available for sex workers?
There are many specialist services outside the Students’ Union that can also offer support if you experience any issues with your work, or if you want to connect with other sex workers.
- National Ugly Mugs (NUM)
- NUM is a national safety and reporting organisation which provides greater access to justice and protection for sex workers. Sex workers can submit reports about dangerous clients which are sent to other sex workers and front-line support projects in the UK.
Website: https://nationaluglymugs.org/ - SWARM
- Swarm is a sex worker led collective based in the UK which campaigns for the rights and safety of all sex workers.
Website: https://www.swarmcollective.org/ - English Collective of Prostitutes (ECP)
- The ECP is a network of sex workers working both on the streets and indoors campaigning for decriminalisation and safety.
Website: https://prostitutescollective.net/ - Pineapple Support
- Pineapple Support provides free, stigma-free and accessible mental health support to people working in the online adult industry.
Website: https://pineapplesupport.org/ - SAAFE (Support and Advice for Escorts)
- SAAFE is a collective of independent escorts who offer a range of advice, guidance and support on all aspects of the paid sex industry.
Website: https://saafe.info/ - Revenge Porn Helpline
- The Revenge Porn Helpline is UK service supporting adults (aged 18+) who are experiencing intimate image abuse, also known as revenge porn.
Website: https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk/ - Open Doors
- Open Doors is a free and confidential advice service and sexual health clinic in East London for people working in the sex industry.
Website: https://www.opendoors.nhs.uk/ - Clinic S
- Clinic S is a free and confidential service for women, men, trans and gender non-binary individuals, working in the sex or adult entertainment industry.
Website: https://www.alleast.nhs.uk/clinic-s - United Voices of the World (UVW)
- UVW is a union which works with strippers and sex workers to lobby for better working conditions and worker status.
Website: https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/en/