Disabling barriers

19 per cent of our vendors identify as disabled, defined as having a long-term illness/health condition that limits their daily activity. Conditions include mental health issues, learning difficulties, dyslexia, asthma, COPD, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, back pain, mobility issues, circulation problems, epilepsy, and hepatitis C. 

This high figure was not surprising to us. Access to mainstream employment is particularly difficult for disabled and chronically ill people; Scope, a national disability charity, advises that disabled people are almost twice as likely to be unemployed compared to non-disabled people. 

There are several reasons for this, but a 2019 study of over 700 disabled people in the UK showed that 82 per cent of disabled job seekers believe that the main barrier to sourcing suitable employment is finding employers who are disability-friendly. The most common issues surrounded accessibility in work environments and, sadly, a lack of awareness and empathy from employers. 

The most common issues surrounded accessibility in work environments and, sadly, a lack of awareness and empathy from employers. 

Becoming a Big Issue vendor is a means for people to earn an income, to be self-employed, to work hours that suit them and to have autonomy over their working life. For some of our disabled vendors, this flexibility allows them to work in ways that suits them and their health needs. 

Being a vendor also provides people with regular social interaction – something that many of our vendors have reported helps to improve their confidence (57 per cent), provides them with a structure to their day (29 per cent) and gives them something to do (41 per cent). 

Michael sells the magazine part-time in Kirkstall. “I usually sell in the mornings for three hours each time,” he says. “I have a learning disability so when I sell the magazine, I have a support worker nearby who helps me when I need it.… I am happy when I have sold all my magazines. I like feeling independent and helping other people as well.”  

There are also difficulties that come with the job. There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ week’s income or guaranteed sales. Selling The Big Issue is a formally recognised form of self-employment, so vendors don’t receive paid leave or sick pay. Vendors can’t work from home; a day not on the streets selling is a day that they are not earning money.  

Vendors also work in all weathers. If not responsibly managed, working outdoors in cold temperatures for extended periods can have a serious impact on someone’s health. “I have very bad problems with my liver. I get tired very easily and I can’t stand for too long,” explains Sara, a vendor based outside Sainsbury’s in Southport. “I have a seat on my pitch, which means I can sit down and rest when I need to… but it can be really hard when it is very cold, and I feel pain on my liver.” 

The lack of a guaranteed income and of sick pay can be particularly difficult for disabled vendors. Scope estimates that extra costs for disabled people can add up to more than £1,122 per month, including the use of taxis or private transport, and using more power for in-home access equipment or heating.  

The Big Issue has reported on the failures of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to provide adequate support to disabled people – with people often refused disability benefits and left to face a stressful appeals process. National charities like Scope and Age UK are campaigning for the Government to introduce an energy social tariff. This would give disabled people, older people, and carers who are facing high energy costs discounted energy bills. 

In the meantime, we are working to help our vendors and cater to their individual needs as best we can. A key positive impact of selling the magazine is that is offers people a chance to access support that they may not have been able to access before. It also provides regular social interaction, with our regional office staff and with you, their customers. 

Big Issue North are working to help our vendors and cater to their individual needs as best we can.

“Selling the magazine helps [with my depression] because that gets me out and about talking to people. That really cheers me up, even on a grim day when it’s wet and business is slow…” says Joe, a vendor based in Prestwich. “I want to say thank you to all my customers… they have helped me out a lot… They are customers and friends. I wouldn’t be here without them.” 

By supporting the Big Issue North – through buying the magazine, talking to your local vendor, or donating to The Big Issue North Trust – you can help people like Sara, Joe, and Michael to keep earning an income. 

If you would like to help us in our mission to support hundreds more people in need of work, please text BINORTH to 70970 to give £5, or visit www.justgiving.com/bigissuenorth.