Is Escorting Legal in the UK? What the Law in England and Wales Says in 2026

The United Kingdom does not have one single law on sex work. England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own rules, and the position is often misunderstood. This guide explains the law in England and Wales as of mid-2026, highlights the key differences elsewhere in the UK and points to the 2026 changes. It is general information, not legal advice.

The short answer

In England and Wales, exchanging sexual services for money between consenting adults in private is not, in itself, a criminal offence for either the seller or the buyer. However, many of the activities around it are offences. The law targets public nuisance and exploitation rather than the private act itself.

What is illegal in England and Wales

Street soliciting and loitering

Section 1 of the Street Offences Act 1959 makes it an offence for a person to persistently loiter or solicit in a street or public place for the purposes of prostitution. Soliciting by buyers in a street or public place, sometimes called kerb-crawling, is also an offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Brothel-keeping

Keeping, managing or assisting in the management of a brothel is an offence. In general terms, premises used by more than one person for sex work can be treated as a brothel, which is why many companions in England and Wales work alone. This is one of the most debated parts of the law, because working alone can be less safe.

Controlling and causing

Causing, inciting or controlling another person's prostitution for gain are serious offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Paying for the services of an exploited person

Section 14 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009 created an offence of paying for the sexual services of a person who has been subjected to force, threats, coercion or deception by a third party for gain. Crucially, this is a strict liability offence: it does not matter whether the buyer knew about the exploitation. This is a strong reason for clients to walk away from any situation that does not feel right.

Trafficking and modern slavery

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 covers trafficking and forced labour, including sexual exploitation, with severe penalties.

Anyone under 18

Any sexual activity involving a person under 18 in exchange for payment is a serious crime, regardless of consent.

What changed in 2026

During the passage of the Crime and Policing Bill, MPs debated amendments that would have introduced a general offence of paying for sex and repealed the street-soliciting offence, following the "Nordic model". Those amendments were not included in the final law.

The Crime and Policing Act 2026, which received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026, instead contains provisions to automatically disregard, and to pardon, convictions and cautions for loitering or soliciting under the Street Offences Act 1959 where the person was under 18 at the time. These provisions depend on commencement, so check whether they are in force before relying on them.

The debate about the Nordic model has not gone away, and campaigners on both sides remain active. Expect further proposals in the future.

Scotland

Scotland has its own legislation on soliciting and brothel-keeping, broadly similar in effect. A Member's Bill that would have criminalised paying for sex, the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill, was rejected by the Scottish Parliament at Stage 1 on 3 February 2026 by 64 votes to 54. There is therefore still no general offence of paying for sex in Scotland, although soliciting and kerb-crawling in public places are offences, and the issue is likely to return.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is different. Since 2015, under the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015, paying for sexual services is a criminal offence. Selling is not. This is the Nordic model.

Advertising

Online advertising of escort services by independent adults is widely available in the UK, but anyone who profits from another person's prostitution can commit an offence, and platforms must comply with the Online Safety Act 2023, which places duties on services to tackle illegal content such as exploitation.

Practical advice

• Work and meet in private, never through street soliciting.
• Companions: understand the brothel rules before sharing premises.
• Clients: if anything suggests coercion, third-party control or someone under 18, leave and report it.
• Use safety networks such as National Ugly Mugs.

Help and reporting

Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline: 08000 121 700. Police: 101, or 999 in an emergency. For legal advice about your own situation, consult a solicitor or a sex worker support organisation.

Visiting London? Read our London listings alongside our city guide.