Big Issue retailers offer devices to sell magazines via contactless payment

Big Issue sellers will be offered devices that allow them to sell the magazine via contactless payment on mobile phones.

The partnership with Giffgaff is based on a trial in which 250 Big Issue sellers used giffgaff devices, leading to an average 30% increase in sales.

The refurbished devices will be available to all UK retailers, and giffgaff will also support the Big Issue’s work to help people find sustainable jobs through its recruitment arm.

Digital exclusion is a “significant barrier” for people in poverty wanting to work, The Big Issue said.

Giffgaff CEO Ash Schofield said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with Big Issue Group by providing more refurbished devices so every supplier in the UK can take cashless payments and be connected to essential service and support.

“This ground-breaking, multi-year partnership with Giffgaff helps us tackle digital exclusion, one of the key barriers for people facing poverty, and means we will improve the lives of even more suppliers and Big Issue Recruit candidates.

“With these devices and broader support from giffgaff, we will strengthen our communication tools between sellers and our support teams, allowing our sellers to access our services much more easily.”

Dorina, who sells Big Issue in London, had previously bought a giffgaff device and described it as a “big help”, explaining: “It’s good to be cashless. I used to have a card reader but it broke in the rain.”

“Now I can use my phone, my customers tap my phone (their card), that’s it. Christmas is approaching. “A lot of people don’t carry cash.”