The number of students working in the sex trade has seen a sharp increase, according to a recent study by a KU lecturer.

In a survey of Kingston students conducted by Dr Ron Roberts, senior lecturer in psychology, 25 per cent said they knew of other students who participated in the sex industry, compared to only 3 per cent, ten years ago.

More than  50 per cent said they found it understandable that some students should work in the sex trade to pay for their education, while one in six students said they were likely to engage in sex work themselves to fund their course.

Dr Roberts said: “What is driving this, is a massively in-debt population, coupled with the increasing commodification of sex.  It gives students advantages of making more money in a shorter space of time.”

According to Dr Roberts, the government and NUS were to blame for not doing enough to support students through their education.  He said: “The NUS and the government should get their heads out from under the sand.  They are unwilling to acknowledge the problems.”

However, the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills maintained that they provide sufficient support for students, making it possible for them to complete their studies without taking up a job of any kind.

A BIS spokesperson said: "The Government has introduced a generous package of support for undergraduates including non repayable support as well as subsidised student loans for tuition fees and maintenance.  No student has to fund their tuition fees either before or during their studies,   instead they can choose to take out a tuition fee loan to cover the full cost. "

The NUS have expressed concerns over the rise in student sex workers, despite criticisms that they should do more to help students who are in financial difficulties.

Olivia Bailey, NUS Women’s Officer said:  “Whilst where someone works is a matter of individual choice, NUS would be deeply concerned if students were being pressured into working as escorts, either by particular organisations, or by the more general pressures of student debt."

In his criticism over the Government and NUS’ handling of the problem, Dr Roberts added that individual universities played an important role in safeguarding and supporting students.  He said it was worrying that there was not enough representation for students’ interests in universities, the Government and NUS, and described their denial of the problem as “idiocy”.