Condom usage rates among sex workers in Western Australia have plummeted in the past decade, according to a recent report.

But a local advocacy organisation says sex workers remain more likely than any other group of people to look after their sexual health.

Sex workers may be using condoms less frequently, but they use them more than many others in the community. Credit:Janie Barrett

Unexpectedly low rates of consistent condom use during sex with clients was published in Frontiers in Public Health this week, with researchers insisting the statistics point to a need to decriminalise the sex industry.

The study involved 354 WA-based sex workers, with just a third reporting consistent condom use with clients during oral sex.