Pledge your support

We have launched a new campaign to combat these myths with facts about the people who sell The Big Issue in towns and cities across the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber. 

“They need to get off benefits and work.” 

“I often tell Romanian big issue sellers that they shouldn’t even be here. I don’t mind people coming here to work but do we need to import bigissue sellers?” 

“Its a channel for illegals to claim a raft of benefits, shut them down now!” 

These are all real comments made by members of the public about Big Issue North vendors on social media. At the heart of comments like these is discrimination, mainly against people who are perceived to be non-British. It also reflects a common misunderstanding of who our vendors are.

At the heart of some comments left online is discrimination, mainly against people who are perceived to be non-British. It also reflects a common misunderstanding of who our vendors are.

At Big Issue North, our approach is simple: we support anyone who needs a chance to earn an income, no matter where they’re from. 

Big Issue North is there for anyone who needs us or wants to earn money. The reality is that most people start selling the magazine because they have no alternative way of earning an income. Many of our vendors have had challenging, difficult pasts or experiences that continually impact their chances to gain mainstream employment. They may face mental or physical health struggles, drug or alcohol dependencies, a lack of education, qualifications, language skills, training or previous work experience, care responsibilities or a criminal record, or they may be new to the country. 

Vendors do not have to be homeless. Some are in private tenancies or rent from social landlords, while others are experiencing homelessness and living in hostels, staying with friends or family, or sleeping rough. Many of our vendors work by selling magazines to pay for rent, utilities and food. 

They are self-employed, buying each magazine from one of our offices for £2 and selling it to the public for £4, keeping the £2 profit that they make. Like all eligible citizens, Big Issue North vendors can claim a range of in-work benefits. We ask all vendors to inform their local Jobcentre branch when they sign up to sell the magazine. 

Big Issue North is there for anyone who needs us or wants to earn money. The reality is that most people start selling the magazine because they have no alternative way of earning an income.

Vendors sell on designated pitches in city centres and out-of-town areas across the North West, Yorkshire, and the Humber. Big Issue North works with shopkeepers, city centre management teams and local agencies to agree on pitch locations. Currently, there are approximately 300 active pitches across our region – more than the number of active vendors. This means that anyone who wants to sell the magazine can do so, and the more people who sell, the more income we have to support those who need us most. 

We do not have a fixed time limit on how long people can work as vendors. We have tried this in the past and found that people who weren’t ready to move on lost the stability of the regular income that selling the magazine provides. We work with vendors to understand their aspirations and the barriers that are in their way, and we support them to take opportunities to improve their lives, so that , when suitable, and if the vendor wants to move on, they no longer need to rely on selling Big Issue. This may include access to drug or alcohol treatment, training, educational classes such as ESOL, or seeking alternative employment. 

We have a set of Vendor Expectations that all vendors must abide by. For instance, we expect vendors not to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs that affect their ability to work. If people consistently breach this code of conduct, they may be asked to stop selling Big Issue North. 

We work closely with every vendor to understand their personal goals and any barriers to achieving them. We aim to provide consistent, meaningful support that empowers vendors to make positive, lasting changes in their lives. 

We believe that everyone has the right to earn an independent income and improve their life. If you agree, please show your support by signing our pledge.

This includes direct support and referrals for crises, housing, finances, health and wellbeing, education, and finding new employment opportunities. We also support vendors in opening bank accounts, accessing forms of identification, and completing forms and paperwork as required. 

In addition to one-on-one support, we run a range of practical projects – such as home furnishing packages, breakfast clubs, and Christmas gift bundles – that provide extra help when it’s needed most. 

We connect with vendors regularly, whether they’re visiting us to purchase their magazines, on their pitches, or through outreach. Our team offers crisis support at our office and out in the community, alongside follow-up appointments to help vendors stay on track with their goals. 

We believe that everyone has the right to earn an independent income and improve their life. If you agree, please show your support by signing our pledge, giving to the Big Issue North Trust, and sharing with your friends, and help us to help people experiencing poverty to help themselves.