Support for Student Sex Workers

Policy passed at NUS Scotland Conference 2023

What’s the issue and how does it affect students? 

That the rapidly changing nature of commercial sex work within the expanding mobility of our population, both spatially and technologically, has changed how the industry and sex workers operate. A change that the law nor the government has kept up with and has become antiquated. With the cost-of-living crisis, more students are looking to become sex workers as a means of supplementing their student loans. Therefore, it must be a key priority for NUS Scotland to support student sex workers, by preventing student sex workers from eviction and discrimination. 

What changes would we like to see in society to change this? 

If this motions passes, NUS Scotland would actively campaign in support of student sex workers and would provide their support behind campaigns ran by sex worker support organisations. This campaign would seek to ensure the Eviction Ban is extended to those doing sex work and that no students receive discrimination or consequences of any kind due to choosing to do sex work.  

It would also ensure that Student Unions across Scotland would take part in campaigning in support of sex workers, undertaking work to educate and destigmatise sex work in their Student Union communities. 

NUS Scotland supports decriminalisation of sex work to allow sex workers the right to legally organise, to be able co-habitiate and work alongside other sex workers, and continue to tackle the stigma by campaigning against abolitionism. Provision of legal representation and advice to prevent exploitation.

Campaign to ensure student sex workers have access to social, legal and financial support, including access to sexual health support and guidance.

Creating environments which allow sex workers to share lived experiences and participate in open dialogue without the fear of judgment with the aim of tackling stigma and discrimination.

Campaign for improving the access to sexual healthcare and resources, and ensuring student sex workers are directed to appropriate support networks.