University hits back in sex lessons advice row

Bosses at a leading university in the North East have defended their decision to offer training sessions to help students who have become involved in sex work.

Durham University said it was acting responsibly by offering students advice on how to stay safe in sex work, after Higher and Further Education Minister Michelle Donelan said she was "deeply concerned" by the move.

Last week the Durham Students' Union sent an email inviting staff and students to take part in level one and level two training for people involved in the sex industry.

It said: "The SU position on students in sex work is clear: support, informed advice, de-stigmatisation and collaboration with expert organisations."

A spokesman for Durham University said the training was to ensure students were safe and was brought in following requests over the years "from a small number of concerned students".

He said: "We are emphatically not seeking to encourage sex work but we are seeking to provide support to our students.

"We listen, support and give practical help.

"We run many courses on topics from mental health to drug and alcohol awareness.

"The intent here is to ensure that social stigma does not prevent students who might be vulnerable or at risk from accessing the support they need.”

The statement followed critical comments by Ms Donelan who said: "I'm deeply concerned that any university is legitimising a dangerous industry which thrives on the exploitation of women.

"This course seeks to normalise selling sex, which has no place in our universities.