NUS: Students turning to prostitution to fund studies

Greater numbers of students in England are turning to prostitution to fund their education, the National Union of Students (NUS) claims.

The NUS also says students are turning to gambling and taking part in medical experiments to fund their studies.

It says increased living costs and fees, and cuts to the education maintenance allowance, play a part.

But the government says it offers students a « generous package » of financial support.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live’s Breakfast programme, Estelle Hart, the NUS’s national women’s officer, said government cuts had put more pressure on students.

« Students are taking more dangerous measures, » said Ms Hart.

« In an economic climate where there are very few jobs, where student support has been massively cut, people are taking more work in the informal economy, such as sex work.

« It’s all dangerous unregulated work, simply so people can stay in education. »

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