Finsbury Park Big Issue vendor returns to work after lockdown

Vendors for the magazine, which offers homeless and vulnerably housed people a means to earn an income, are returning for the first time since the third lockdown as other parts of the high street reopened on April 12.

Mike Danks, 61, has been selling the magazines just outside Finsbury Park tube station, and has welcomed the return.

The Big Issue has offered PPE, contactless card payment equipment and other health and safety procedures to make sure the vendors are Covid-safe.

Mr Danks said: “Just getting out of the house, getting back into a bit of work and trying to motivate myself into doing something positive.

“It’s definitely been a difficult year but I want to get back to seeing people at The Big Issue and customers. It will be nice to see people who I have gotten to know over the last few years. I’m hoping there won’t be another lockdown.”

It was decided that with the easing of restrictions on April 12, The Big Issue could bring back its 1,400 magazine vendors once more.

Lord John Bird, founder of The Big Issue said: “We are full of pride and hope that, after over 22 weeks of being in lockdown, our vendors are back out there, able to reconnect with their local communities and earn a legitimate income once again.

“As ever, we wish to thank all those who have so generously supported us and our vendors during this challenging time. Every donation and subscription that has been made or taken out, has meant that we have been able to support vendors while they have been unable to sell the magazine safely on the streets.

“Please look out for your local vendor back on their pitch from today. We would encourage anyone who doesn’t have a local vendor and wants to support our mission to help people in poverty improve their lives to buy a subscription to the magazine. We’ve have missed you all and we are so pleased to be back.”

For more information or to locate your local vendor and buy an issue directly from them visit bigissue.com/support.