Sex workers
Changing jobs
Stopping sex work – it’s your choice
Prostitution Reform Act 2003, ss 16–18
You can stop doing sex work any time you want. It’s illegal for someone to force you to do or continue doing sex work. They also can’t force you to stop, as long as you are over 18 and not on a temporary visa.
No stand-down when you go on a benefit
Prostitution Reform Act 2003, s 18
If you stop doing sex work and apply to Work and Income to go on a benefit, you won’t have to go through a stand-down period before you start getting your benefit payments.
This is different from the usual rule that applies – most people have a stand-down of one to two weeks before they start getting the benefit (for more information about benefit stand-downs periods, see: “Dealing with Work and Income”).
Coming off a benefit or ACC – you can’t be pressured back into sex work
Prostitution Reform Act 2003, s 18
If Work and Income or ACC are trying to help you get off a benefit or ACC compensation and back into work, they can’t pressure you to go back to sex work if you don’t want to.
Getting support from the NZPC
If you need support dealing with Work and Income when you stop doing sex work, contact the NZPC. They know a lot about the laws in this area, and they can even come with you to see Work and Income. See: “Where to go for more support” at the bottom of this page for their contact details.
