Advertisement
News

‘There’s no one out here’: Big Issue sellers plead for support as streets empty ahead of Christmas

Big Issue sellers have made a plea for support as the streets empty and people stay in their homes to avoid Covid-19 at Christmas

Big Issue sellers are urging the public to support them by buying the magazine as the streets empty of Christmas shoppers and commuters due to Covid.

While Christmas would usually be the busiest time of year for the self-employed magazine sellers, earning them much-needed income during the coldest and most difficult time of the year, customers are this year staying at home to avoid becoming infected with the new Omicron variant of coronavirus. 

“Our vendors have no choice but to ‘work from home’ on the streets, which are, once again, quieter and present less of an opportunity to earn their way out of trying circumstances to a more promising future,” said Lord John Bird, founder of The Big Issue.

People have been urged to scale back their Christmas socialising by chief medical officer Chris Whitty, who implored the public to only mix with others if absolutely necessary as Omicron surges.

“The rule change means sales are down, it’s been empty in the last few days and it should be the busiest time of year,” said “Suggs” Macklin, a Big Issue vendor, who sells the magazine in central London.

Another vendor, Sam Woodlock, added: “It’s not great just before Christmas. Since people have been told to work from home, they’re doing what they’re told and there’s no one out here. The fact is Big Issue vendors can’t work from home. If you can support your local vendor, please do.”

Advertisement
Advertisement

Thirty years after founding The Big Issue, Lord Bird is calling for urgent support for the magazine’s vendors, describing their livelihoods as “hanging on a precipice.”

To the great British public, Lord Bird said: “We would love you wonderful people to make buying The Big Issue a part of your yearly Christmas traditions, as much as buying the Christmas pudding, gifts for family and friends or decorating your Christmas tree are.”

“Please buy a copy of the magazine this week from your local vendor and if you can’t then please subscribe online and help someone living in poverty to lift themselves up and out.”

Advertisement

Become a Big Issue member

3.8 million people in the UK live in extreme poverty. Turn your anger into action - become a Big Issue member and give us the power to take poverty to zero.

Recommended for you

Read All
Cash-strapped council warns it's at breaking point as neighbour places homeless people in its town
homeless peoples' tents in street
Homelessness

Cash-strapped council warns it's at breaking point as neighbour places homeless people in its town

Disabled people losing jobs and 'falling out of work' due to months-long waits for DWP support
disabled person working
Disability rights

Disabled people losing jobs and 'falling out of work' due to months-long waits for DWP support

Homeless families occupy council housing offices on Halloween in plea to fix 'houses of horror'
Homeless families at a protest about council housing
Homelessness

Homeless families occupy council housing offices on Halloween in plea to fix 'houses of horror'

'Back to cost of living crisis': Households will be £770 worse off by next UK election, experts say
woman in supermarket
Cost of living crisis

'Back to cost of living crisis': Households will be £770 worse off by next UK election, experts say

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue