Big Issue Seller

[alison]

I work in Manchester and I have to say the Big Issue sellers do not in any way harass me. Yes, I do feel uncomfortable sometimes, mainly because I will be going back to my nice heated office and they will be standing on the streets all day. It may not have been true in the past, but these days Big Issue seems well run and regulated, and the sellers very polite. If you don't want to buy one and you say a polite no thank you, you are usually told to have a good day.
These are people working hard to regain some control over their lives and respect for themselves, and I have far more time for them than the spurious 'beggars' that have been known to hang around the city centre.

[Eric the Hamster]

I have only seen one BI seller in Marple, at the Stockport Road end of Market Street. He is always friendly, and I don't feel harassed (although sometimes I might feel uncomfortable, but that is more to do with the idea that we shouldn't have homeless, or "vulnerably housed" people in this country - my discomfort shouldn't impinge on his being ther) I always try to buy the magazine when I see him - it isn't expensive and is generally well written with a good mixture of articles and reviews. He always asks if I am well and if my family are OK - what do people mean by harassment?

I agree. I don't shop in Manchester because of Big Issues seller harassing me. I have stopped shopping Stockport too don't tell me I have to stop in Marple as well. I breath a sigh of relief when I get into Marple and I don't have to divert because of the sellers.

[Aslan]

This is on The Big Issue website

"Becoming a Vendor
In order to sell the Big Issue, you must be homeless or at risk of homelessness.

When a prospective vendor comes to The Big Issue, they are asked to provide proof that they are homeless (e.g. receipts from any hostels that they have been staying in) or a letter of referral.

Training and the Vendor Code of Conduct
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."

I'm sure there must be a contact number on there to get him checked out if he's so bad.

[Rachael]

I was led to believe, and I dont know how true it is, but just because they sell the big issue doesnt necessarily mean that they are homeless, sometimes they are provided with accomodation and selling the big issue is a way of getting them to earn their money as part of the rehabilitation into living in accomodation again, so he may well have a house.

The way I look at it is  that if you life comes to standing on street corners selling a magazine, then they obviously need the money more than me, Im happy to buy a magazine, but I dont want to be harrassed into it either.

[eeyore21]

i work in marple and go out on my dinner both of the people are annoying though i have said no thank you to the lady that many times she dosn't ask anymore but the man is also asking i've said no thankyou more times than the lady and he still asks.
he spots you and thats it till you go past then he gets you on the way back.
i'm sure some people think i'm rude because i dont even answer him anymore but i'm fed up of saying no thnakyou.
there is talk that he is alot better off than he makes out with a house and everthing else and he is on his mobile alot aswell something to think about '>

[Rachael]

I havent seen this man selling big issue, but today at work they were talking about him.

They told me that he harrases you into buying his magazine.

I have seen the lady selling big issue on market street and when I purchased a magazine of her she was perfectly pleasant

Is he?
 Â         A) Trying to earn a honest living
 Â         B) Annoying 'In your face' little man
 Â         C) Both of the above

People of Marple you decide.