The rising cost of living is driving more women into street sex work, according to charities supporting sex workers. The English Collective of Prostitutes (ECP) reports a 33% increase in calls to its helpline from women entering or returning to sex work due to financial pressures, including rising energy bills, food costs, and rent.
Niki Adams, an ECP spokesperson, said about two-thirds of callers are mothers. She noted a spike in calls at the end of August, linked to concerns about affording children's school uniforms. 'Women are contacting us for information about starting sex work because they can't afford energy, food, or travel,' she said. 'Others are going back into sex work after decades doing other jobs because rising costs mean they can no longer make ends meet.'
The risks associated with street sex work are well-documented. Research indicates UK sex workers have the highest murder rate compared to women in other occupations. One woman who has worked on the streets since age 14 told the BBC she could not remember how many times she had been attacked. 'I don't always feel scared because the drugs hide my fear,' she said. 'If I don't really care I put myself in some very dangerous situations.'
A 2019 report by the Work and Pensions Committee examined links between Universal Credit and survival sex. One woman, Ms J, faced long waits for UC payments that were insufficient to cover basics. She resorted to shoplifting and was caught; the manager offered to let her off in exchange for oral sex, which she agreed to. 'It seemed like a fortune,' she said. 'It's been like that for months now.'
Charity Beyond the Streets is organising tours focusing on the victims of Jack the Ripper to highlight the ongoing issues of violence and exploitation. Outreach volunteer Brigid said: 'In a sense, things have changed. In theory there's better support and working conditions. But actually the reason so many women still turn to selling sex is exactly the same. It's about drugs, homelessness and poverty.'
The Met Police no longer has a local vice unit, having shifted to a 'vulnerability model' focusing on human trafficking and exploitation. Some workers say they miss the Vice Squad and feel there are fewer police officers willing to help.
