Big Issue vendors to return to streets to sell magazine for first time since lockdown

‘We couldn’t have got through such a perilous time without the overwhelming generosity everyone has shown us,’ Big Issue founder states

Big Issue vendors are to return to the streets to sell the magazine from Monday 6 July for the first time since lockdown was established in March.

Following more than three months of being unable to sell the magazine in public, almost 2,000 salespeople are to return to their roles across England, Scotland and Wales.

They will all be provided with PPE, in addition to being given contactless card payment equipment so that people who buy the magazine do not need to hand them cash.

Street selling of The Big Issue ceased on 20 March, three days before lockdown was officially implemented.

However, sales of the publication – which enlists people who are homeless and vulnerable to sell the magazine to help them earn a legitimate income – have continued in stores or through subscriptions.

Lord John Bird, founder of The Big Issue, said the company is filled with “pride and joy” to be able to announce the return of their vendors.

“We want to thank everyone who has supported us and vendors over the past 15 weeks,” he said.

“It’s a simple fact that we couldn’t have got through such a perilous time without the overwhelming generosity everyone has shown us.”

Lord Bird explained that a “rigorous health and safety review” has taken place, with a “range of measures” introduced to safeguard Big Issue vendors.

“As a result, you will see that vendors now have visors, latex gloves, face masks, anti-bacterial gel, bags to carry the magazine safely and will be carrying contactless readers where possible,” he stated.

Big Issue Vendor Mike Danks wearing the PPE that he will be using from Monday, when he returns to selling the magazine for the first time since lockdown (Big Issue/PA Wire)

Jim Pelham, a vendor who usually sells the magazine outside Cross Keys Shopping Centre in Salisbury, said he has “missed the people” during lockdown.

“The social interaction that I actually thrive on, the basic day to day camaraderie. I miss them,” he said.

“Going back to sell the magazine will help. Going out to work, especially something where you essentially have got to think about it like a businessman, completely changes your view on things.”

Earl John Charlton, who is typically positioned at Newcastle Central Station when selling the magazine, said he is looking forward to “running down the road at six o’clock in the morning to get to the office”, adding that he is excited to experience the “fresh air” as he cycles every day.

Vendor Lee Welham, who sells The Big Issue at the Round Church in Cambridge, explained how not being able to carry out his job has been a struggle during the pandemic.

“Now it’s about loneliness for me,” he said. ”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 myself has been difficult.”