Sex workers ask clients for tracing details

SEX workers are demanding punters leave their details for track and trace.

Men who visit saunas are required to leave first names and a phone number for tracing purposes. Bosses have provided PPE for staff.

Brothels reopened in the summer following the lockdown and measures put in place to protect sex workers, including temperature checks and face masks for both parties.

But the threat of the virus has seen takings “go through the floor”, according to insiders.

One sauna owner said: “We sanitise the premises every hour, the rooms are kept spotless and everyone must wear PPE.

“We are asking people for their details for track and trace but we cannot trust they are leaving real names, let alone phone numbers.

“Lockdown was difficult as nobody was earning and the women fall through the gaps for funding so we are open now, with permission, but it’s been very quiet.”

A sauna owner in Glasgow said: “The threat of track and trace has put people off but we are required to comply or risk our licence.”

A sex worker, who asked not to be identified, said: “I didn’t want to come back but I had no choice.

“I don’t qualify for any funding or furlough and try telling the tax man you work for cash-in-hand so you don’t qualify for selfemployed help either.

“We know the street workers and those who operate from flats were still working during lockdown but the saunas were closed up and some of us were almost destitute.”