A CHARITY has launched a card to teach sex workers about their rights.

SCOTPEP, which supports sex workers, said it had launched the 'know your rights' information card amid concerns about the criminalisation of sex work in Scotland and police raids.

The card is being supported by national UK charity National Ugly Mugs, which aims to protect sex workers from violence, and by the National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland Women's Officer, Vonnie Sandlan.

The charity claims sex workers say they are now always made aware their rights.

Organisers also argue that the current system deprives sex workers of rights.

Under current laws, two women working together for safety can be arrested in connection with brothel keeping.

The charity says this forces people to work alone which can make them vulnerable to dangerous men.

Nadine Stott, co-chairwoman of SCOTPEP, said: "We want to give power back to sex workers, and that's what this card does: if you're familiar with your rights, you are more able to accept or decline support on your own terms - and we think all support should be on your own terms, else it's not really support."

Ms Sandlan said they would be urging student unions to distribute the card.

She said: "SCOTPEP's 'know your rights' card will be an invaluable resource for all sex workers, including those who may also be students.

"We will be encouraging student unions across Scotland to distribute the card to their members.

"It's clear that criminalisation and punitive policing are a major concern for student sex workers, and initiatives like this that seek to give power to sex workers in their interactions with the police are so important."