The Big Issue is Back on the Streets

Up to 2,000 Big Issue vendors across England, Scotland and Wales have returned eagerly to their pitches to sell the magazine for the first time since lockdown.

The Big Issue Group (TBIG) has taken measures including the provision of extensive PPE, contactless card payment equipment and the introduction of stringent health and safety procedures in all distribution offices to ensure vendors’ and customers safety remains paramount.

The Big Issue, a social enterprise which offers homeless and vulnerably housed people across the UK a means by which to earn a legitimate income, took the decision to safeguard its network of vendors and the public by asking that they stop selling on streets across the whole of the UK with immediate effect on 20th March for the foreseeable future.

Following announcements by the government regarding the easing of restrictions, the organisation confirmed that magazine vendors will be back out selling the magazine for the first time in 15 weeks since lockdown.

Since its launch in 1991, over 200 million copies of The Big Issue magazine have been sold by over 100,000 vulnerable people. Vendors come from a variety of backgrounds and face a range of issues, but all are experiencing the effects of poverty. Upon becoming a Big Issue vendor they receive training, are allocated a fixed pitch from which to vend, and must agree to adhere to a code of conduct whilst selling the magazine.

Lord John Bird, founder of The Big Issue said: “It fills us with pride and joy to announce that Big Issue vendors are back out selling as of today. We want to thank everyone who has supported us and vendors over the past 15 weeks. It’s a simple fact that we couldn’t have got through such a perilous time without the overwhelming generosity everyone has shown us.

“We would encourage anyone who wants to support us who doesn’t have a local vendor or can’t buy from a local vendor to support The Big Issue’s mission to help people in poverty improve their lives, by buying a subscription to the magazine. We've missed you all and we are so pleased to be back.”

Vendors are really excited to be able to back working; many of them have regular pitches and customers who they have been isolated from during lockdown. Lee Welham, who usually sells at the Round Church, Cambridge, said: “Now it’s about loneliness for me. I’ve still got an inner circle of friends but after all these weeks it has been very, very tough for me. Just being on my own in a house all by myself has been difficult. The Big Issue has given me plenty of support and kept me going and kept me fed but I can’t wait to go back now. I walked into town and saw 15 or so customers and now I can’t wait to see them on my pitch, it’s going to be exciting.”

Lord Bird encourages people to “look out for your local vendor from today and buy a copy of the magazine. You may have to look twice, as they are coming back with a slightly new look.”

After carrying out a rigorous health & safety review, vendors will now operate with visors, latex gloves, face masks, anti-bacterial gel, bags to carry the magazines safely and will be carrying contactless readers where possible.

To find out more about The Big Issue and to buy the magazine please visit https://www.bigissue.org.uk/