The way it works

 

The Big Issue in the North is a business solution to a social problem. It’s a limited company employing staff to write, design and distribute a magazine that is sold by homeless people across the North of England.

Alongside selling the magazine most of our vendors take part in The Big Life plan, a tailored programme of support to help vendors achieve their goals and move away from the streets for good.

Vendors buy The Big Issue in the North from one of our regional offices for £1 and then sell it on established pitches in towns and cities across the North of England for £2. They keep the £1 they make on every magazine.

Selling The Big Issue in the North gives homeless people the opportunity to earn a legitimate income. It also gives homeless people motivation and self-esteem.

Big Issue in the North vendors are making a commitment to earn an income -  65% of vendors have never begged.

97% of vendors say they commit a lot less crime since they have been selling the magazine.

Support services for vendors are managed and delivered by The Big Issue in the North Trust.

 

Code of Conduct

 

Everyone selling the magazine has to work within the Code of Conduct, a set of rules governing how vendors work.

Vendors:

  • Can only sell on designated pitches
  • Cannot sell between 8pm and 7am
  • Must wear their own badge
  • Can only buy magazines for themselves
  • Must not use physical or verbal aggression towards members of the public or other vendors
  • Are not allowed to sell if staff feel they are unfit to do so
  • Must stand when selling
  • Must not beg for money using the magazine (asking for spare change or other items is considered to be begging)
  • Can only charge the cover price for each magazine and must always give the customer the magazine once paid for

Comments and Complaints
If you would like to make a comment or complaint about a vendor please contact your local office:

The Big Issue in the North is sold across the North of England from the Scottish Borders to Stoke on Trent and coast to coast. The magazine is sold to vendors from Big Issue in the North offices in Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Sheffield and a number of sub offices across the North of England.

If you would like to make a comment about a vendor please call your local office:

Manchester:  0161 831 5550

Liverpool: 0151 702 6931

Leeds: 0113 243 9027

Sheffield: 0114 263 6961

Remember: All legitimate Big Issue in the North sellers wear a badge.