Big Issue sellers return to the streets of Bath and Exeter after a three month break due to Covid-19

Big Issue sellers have returned to their pitches after a 15 week break due to the coronavirus pandemic. It has been a difficult time for vendors as, not only did they lose their income, they have also had to cope with isolation.

• Big Issue vendors across the West Country face desperate times during Covid-19

Chris Falchi-Stead, Director of Sales and Operations at the Big Issue says "We've got a lot of vendors who have been moved into hotels or are in isolation or lockdown on their own. We realise that their customers are such a vital part of their life."

Ian Duff says it is a relief to return to his pitch in Bath city centre with his dog Boycie. He came to Bath after his pub in Peckham closed and Boycie has become a local celebrity. Ian says, "Just to get out of the house for an hour. It's also really nice. I've met about 10, 12 people already this morning in the first hour that I haven't seen in three months."

• Watch Rob Murphy's report on Big Issue seller Ian Duff and Boycie his dog.

A number of changes have been introduced to make sure the vendors and their customers stay safe during the pandemic.

• Big Issue rolls out contactless card payments to vendors across the South West

• All vendors will be given face masks, visors, latex gloves and anti-bacterial gel.

• Vendors have been provided with new bags to house the magazines safely.

• The charity has invested in contactless card payment equipment.

• The Big Issue is supporting vendors back to selling, with 10 free magazines to get them up and running.

• The cover price of the magazine has been increased to £3 to ensure vendors make more money from selling the magazine. Vendors will now buy the magazine for £1.50.

• Frontline staff in Big Issue offices will follow strict health & safety procedures, including temperature testing and sneeze guards.

• Vendors who are in the vulnerable category or become ill with Covid-19 will be supported both financially and emotionally, until it is safe for them to return to selling.

Will Adams sells the Big Issue in Exeter High Street and wants to reassure people that everything is being done to keep them safe. He explains:

"So every vendor has got a plastic wallet to store their magazines in and we try not to touch the magazines where possible. I've got in my pocket my hand sanitiser which I use after every transaction and we've got contactless card readers . We've done everything possible to keep the public safe. Don't be afraid to approach us, we're still the friendly bunch that you remember."

• Watch Claire Manning's report on the Big Issue seller returning to his pitch in Exeter after lockdown

What is The Big Issue?

The Big Issue is a weekly entertainment and current affairs magazine that provides homeless and vulnerably-housed people with a legitimate income. They buy magazines for £1.50 and sell them for £3, keeping the difference.

Find out more here.

READ MORE:

• Homelessness on the rise in the South West but falling elsewhere

• Big Issue seller from Cornwall says the magazine turned his life around

• Former homeless man revisits his old tent in Plymouth