Sex Workers Need Protection Under the Law

Decriminalising prostitution will ensure sex workers are protected by the same laws that guarantee minimum employment rights to the rest of the workforce, the Council of Trade Unions secretary, Carol Beaumont, said today.

The Prostitution Reform Bill, a member’s Bill introduced by the Labour MP Tim Barnett, will go before Parliament for its final vote tomorrow.

The CTU urges MPs to support the Bill in a conscience vote.

“Law decriminalising prostitution is the only way prostitutes are able to gain benefit and protection from minimum code employment legislation," Carol Beaumont said.

“Decriminalisation will ensure that these workers have access to human rights and employment legislation, including health and safety provisions.”

Protection under law will help to address the power imbalance between predominantly women sex workers and their male clients, said Carol Beaumont.

“Young prostitutes are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, highlighting the necessity for legislative protection,” she said.

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