Big Issue salespeople are working, not begging, and they are not soliciting donations. Rather they are entrepreneurs seeking to maximise their own income through hard work. We ask that you respect this and don't just give money to our salespeople. If you want to help them, please buy and read the magazine. All our vendors adhere to a code of conduct which you can Vendors only sell on designated pitches which are set up in co-operation with local traders, if you have a concern over vendor behaviour please click here to contact your closest office.

Vendors undergo a training session in which The Big Issue's services and the pitch system are explained in detail. All vendors complete a training period and sign the vendor code of conduct. This is made up of the basic rules to which they must adhere whilst selling the magazine, including no begging, no drinking, no swearing and no harassment of the public. They are also informed that they need to declare their earnings to the Department of Social Security, and sign a statement to that effect. You can view the Vendor Code of Conduct by clicking here.

Alternatively you can download it here

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