Heatwaves hit Big Issue vendors’ sales: ‘Selling in the hot weather can be the worst time’

As the fifth heatwave of the summer consumes the country, Big Issue vendors are feeling the impact.

Big Issue sales have fallen by an average of 20% nationwide during weeks of widespread heatwave conditions. Lower footfall on the UK’s high streets has been compounded by vendors being forced to abandon their pitches because of the extreme heat.

Jason Sallis, who sells the Big Issue outside Moorgate Station in the City of London, said that his health conditions were limiting how long he could spend out in the sun.

“I’ve got ischemic heart disease, so sitting in the sun will affect my breathing and stuff like that. So I can only stand it for about 5-10 minutes and then I’m gone.

“When it’s like 35 or whatever, you have to be careful. I’ve already had one heart attack and I don’t really fancy another one.”

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In the week of 22 June, when the UK’s June temperature record was broken, Big Issue sales fell by an average of 22% compared to the same week the previous year.

The two worst affected regions, the West Midlands and Wales, saw 34% and 33% fewer sales respectively.

Catherine Parsons, managing director of Big Issue’s support service for vendors, warned that vendors were losing out on vital income due to the heatwaves.

“For most of us, extreme heat is an inconvenience,” she said. “For Big Issue vendors, it means earning significantly less, and making difficult decisions about rent, food and other essentials.

“Our teams are working hard to support vendors to sell during the heat, performing welfare checks and handing out sunscreen, caps and water bottles. But in the most extreme temperatures, it’s simply unsafe for vendors to be out and selling. And when the heat forces them to cut their working day short, the financial impact is immediate.”

Big Issue has been distributing Summer Support Kits to vendors, containing essentials including sunscreen, water bottles and protective caps.

We’re aiming to distribute a further 200 kits to vendors in the coming days, while our support teams are carrying out welfare checks and providing practical support.

Mark Stevenson, a Big Issue vendor in Canterbury, said: “Selling in the hot weather can be the worst time. I’ve actually been here and I’ve had passers-by say to each other: ‘I wouldn’t mind being homeless in this heat.’

“I was homeless for a couple of months over the summer. My main issue and hassle was making sure I had water throughout the night.”

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