What Changes for Employed Sex Workers as of December 1, 2024

What Changes for Employed Sex Workers as of December 1, 2024

A new Royal Decree sets out the conditions employers must meet when hiring sex workers under an employment contract. These rules are designed to ensure your safety, health, and well-being at work. Here is what you need to know:

A Safe and Clean Working Environment

• Your employer must provide a safe and hygienic workplace, whether you work on their premises or elsewhere.
• You must have access to a suitable room for your work:
• If 2 people are present at the same time (including you), the room must be at least 8 m².
• If 3 people are present at the same time, the room must be at least 9 m².
• Hygiene is guaranteed at no cost to you:
• Clean bedding and towels, washed regularly, always available.
• Sufficient condoms and other means for protected intercourse.
• Access to a shower with hot and cold water, in the room or nearby.
• Toiletries provided, including for intimate hygiene.

Information and Contacts Displayed on the Premises

Your employer must display, in a visible and accessible location:

• Emergency numbers (police, etc.).
• Their contact details and a reminder that they are responsible for what happens on the premises.
• The contact details of the designated reference person (to contact in case of problems).
• Contact details for trade unions and support organizations for sex workers (social, medical, and professional).
• Information on protected sex and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• A reminder of your rights and freedoms at work.

Safety and Emergency Procedures

• The employer must always know who is present on the premises.
• They must ensure that a reference person is continuously available (to assist or intervene if needed).
• An emergency button must be provided, with a clear procedure for a rapid response.
• All these procedures must be explained in an internal emergency plan.

Understanding Your Rights and Instructions

• All information, safety, hygiene, and well-being instructions must be clearly explained to you, in a language and terms you understand.
• You must be able to easily apply these instructions in your daily work.

Key Points to Remember

• These rules apply to all employed sex workers, regardless of the place of work (window, brothel, agency, etc.).
• You do not have to pay for hygiene or safety: everything must be provided by the employer.
• If these rules are not followed, the employer may lose their operating license.
• You can request to see the displayed information and report any shortcomings to the reference person or support organizations.

These measures are in place to protect your health, safety, and rights at work. Do not hesitate to seek advice from a specialized organization if you have questions or notice a problem.