Cash-strapped student girls in Brighton are increasingly turning to prostitution to pay their bills.
Students and graduates are flocking to the industry as they face spiralling debt and a desperate search for jobs.
‘Jack’, who runs a Brighton and Hove based escort agency, expects next year’s hike in student fees to push more girls to sell their bodies for sex.
“I don’t feel sorry for them because I don’t think they’re being exploited,” he said.
“They earn up to £1,000 a night. They've got mounting debts and rising living costs so why wouldn't they want to make more money?"
Jack - not his real name - said most of the girls on his books are ambitious with career plans and high hopes for the future.
He said the lack of degree-level jobs in Brighton, coupled with rising student debts has forced many to look for easier ways to make money.
Both the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton declined to respond to Jack’s comments.
There are at least six other escort agencies currently operating in Brighton, along with a similar number of established brothels, he claimed.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “If we receive any information about this kind of activity we will always make inquiries to try to identify the women concerned and assess their welfare needs.
“We will also investigate and consider prosecution of anyone responsible if we can find sufficient evidence."
Read more on this story, including an interview with a former student and prostitute, inside today's Argus.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel