The Big Issue has instructed its vendors to stop selling on the streets as the coronavirus pandemic worsens.
Lord John Bird announced today that the street newspaper will now operate behind closed doors in order to “ensure the safety and health and wellbeing” of its workers.
Deserted high streets had already created challenging conditions for vendors, with people staying at home as self-isolating measures are implemented across the country.
Homelessness charities have warned the government they could be “overwhelmed” from the spread of the virus, saying they need “urgent financial support” to help them face “unprecedented challenges”.
How can I help Big Issue vendors through the coronavirus pandemic?
In order to help Big Issue vendors through the coronavirus pandemic, readers are being encouraged to do one of three things:
- Order this week’s mag from their shop or download it online
- Take up our special 12- week subscription
- Make a specific financial contribution to The Big Issue
However you choose to support the magazine, 50 per cent will go directly into vendors pockets and 50 per cent will go to The Big Issue.
For more information, click here.
Related: I, Daniel Blake actor told to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance
Since you are here
Since you are here, we wanted to ask for your help.
Journalism in Britain is under threat. The government is becoming increasingly authoritarian and our media is run by a handful of billionaires, most of whom reside overseas and all of them have strong political allegiances and financial motivations.
Our mission is to hold the powerful to account. It is vital that free media is allowed to exist to expose hypocrisy, corruption, wrongdoing and abuse of power. But we can't do it without you.
If you can afford to contribute a small donation to the site it will help us to continue our work in the best interests of the public. We only ask you to donate what you can afford, with an option to cancel your subscription at any point.
To donate or subscribe to The London Economic, click here.
The TLE shop is also now open, with all profits going to supporting our work.
The shop can be found here.
You can also SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER .
