Tackling student debt

A study, the Student Sex Work Project, has said that about 1 in 20 university students are working in the sex industry, with a lack of money the biggest motivating factor. More male than female students are making money through sex-related occupations, with both genders primarily involved with “indirect” sex work. The five main activities for men were being a naked butler, stripping, selling sexual services on the internet, erotic dancing and performing in porn films. For women, the most common occupations were selling sex online, glamour modelling, erotic dancing, stripping and selling sex on phone chat lines. Some students also worked as drivers and escort managers. The study took three years and involved 6,750 students, with 4.8% of respondents saying they had worked in the sex industry. More than half just wanted to cover basic living expenses, and nearly two thirds were motivated by earning money to fund their lifestyle. However, 44% said they were motivated by sexual pleasure. Most students worked only a few hours a week, earning an average of £300, but some earned as much as £1,000.