Big Issue says vendors struggling as sales hit by heatwaves

Big Issue vendors are struggling to sell magazines in the UK’s extreme heat, which is having an “immediate” impact on their earnings, Big Issue’s managing director says.

Sales of the British news and entertainment magazine are down on average 20% year on year in weeks where heatwaves have been declared, Catherine Parsons said.

During June’s record-breaking temperatures, the worst-hit West Midlands and Wales saw 34% and 33% fewer sales respectively.

George Anderson, who sells the Big Issue near the BBC’s Broadcasting House in London, says it is a struggle when footfall is lower and people would rather be near the aircon.

“People are uncomfortable, they don’t want to hang around in the heat and chat,” he told the BBC on the hottest day of the year.

“I manage it as best I can, and so far so good, but my sales are definitely down which can be quite tough.”

Big Issue is sold by people experiencing homelessness or financial instability.

But Parsons said sellers are losing out on vital income due to the heatwaves.

“For most of us, extreme heat is an inconvenience. For Big Issue vendors, it means earning significantly less and making difficult decisions about rent, food and other essentials,” she said.

In the week of 22 June, when the UK’s June temperature record was broken and temperatures hit 37.7C (99.9F), Big Issue sales fell by an average of 22% compared to the same week the previous year, their figures show.

The latest spell of extreme heat marks the UK’s fifth heatwave this year, with the Met Office warning this summer is on course to be the UK’s hottest since records began.

Parsons said Big Issue teams were working to support vendors and had been handing out sunscreen, caps and water bottles.

“But in the most extreme temperatures, it’s simply unsafe for vendors to be out and selling, and when the heat forces them to cut their working day short, the financial impact is immediate.”