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Author Topic: Sex Worker support for dealing with government agencies  (Read 2979 times)

PinkR2021

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Sex Worker support for dealing with government agencies
« on: 18 April 2023, 10:31:34 am »
I’m looking for advice/ recommendations for support services that can help with dealing with UC/ HMRC etc. I’m looking for the legal side of things in regards to navigating it while doing this sort of job.
I’ve tried one well known one and it was just a stressful and unhelpful experience so I don’t feel like I can go back to them.
Anyone else I could seek advice from?

amy

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Re: Sex Worker support for dealing with government agencies
« Reply #1 on: 18 April 2023, 11:10:57 am »
I suspect most sex work projects won't have much experience of dealing with HMRC - they've historically catered mostly to those doing street/survival sex work. I have no experience of UC but HMRC have always been very helpful on the phone when I've contacted them directly?

The Citizens Advice Bureau would be worth a try while you look, too - they'll know more about the benefits stuff? Is there a sex work specific legal problem you need to find out about (because specialist knowledge of that is going to be the hard part)? :-\

PinkR2021

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Re: Sex Worker support for dealing with government agencies
« Reply #2 on: 18 April 2023, 12:04:29 pm »
Hi Amy,
Thanks for your reply.
I’m not sure if legal is the right word, but navigating places like UC. I obviously haven’t told them what I do but do treat my work as a legit business ( I have an accountant, declare expenses etc). I just wanted advice on what to do if they found out/ how to make sure I stay on the right side of the law with them.
I spoke to one SW support project and I felt like I was being interviewed by the DWP. It wasn’t helpful and if anything it’s made me more worried. I’m not sure if I misunderstood but they seemed to think I’d have to repay my Uc money if  I was found out.

amy

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Re: Sex Worker support for dealing with government agencies
« Reply #3 on: 19 April 2023, 09:09:20 am »
Well the only time I've ever (unsuccessfully) tried to get UC was at the start of the covid restrictions; it wouldn't have occurred to me not to tell them my job as it made it even more obvious that I couldn't work and had no income.

As far as I know though, it's the amount of money you have coming in that matters and not what your job is (and I think as a self employed person the number of hours you work per week isn't relevant either)? My worry would be that if they find you you lied about the job, they might think you lied about your earnings as well but you have proper documents and an accountant to back that up :)

I agree that a sex work project with knowledge of this would be ideal, but yes, finding one is going to be hit and miss. Somebody here might have an idea (including one of our project worker members).

PinkR2021

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Re: Sex Worker support for dealing with government agencies
« Reply #4 on: 19 April 2023, 09:23:22 am »
The only reason I don’t say about my job is that I have a child. I was worried about social services etc.

Apart from the job title, everything else is above board. I’m pretty neurotic about records 😂.Yes, with self employed it’s based on the amount.

I know it’s a very niche request 😬

Spectra

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Re: Sex Worker support for dealing with government agencies
« Reply #5 on: 26 April 2023, 02:00:46 pm »
Hi, not sure if you're based in London but the next SWARM Collective's suppers event on 4th May will include an accountant from a firm that provides services for sex workers who will be able to offer free general advice and support about HMRC & self assessment. Get in touch with SWARM and they can give you all the details!
In terms of UC/DWP, NUM may be able to advise or signpost.

Lucy556

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Re: Sex Worker support for dealing with government agencies
« Reply #6 on: 09 July 2023, 09:03:02 pm »
Hi I can give you advice on uc and self employment as I work in this field. Pm me