Erewash MP experiences selling The Big Issue in Ilkeston

Credit: The Office of Adam Thompson

Erewash MP Adam Thompson has been on to the streets of Ilkeston to join local Big Issue vendor James Allerton.

On a freezing January morning, which was all the better for Adam to see the tough realities of life on the streets, James told Adam that Saturdays are always a quiet day for trade, and on that specific morning temperatures were literally below zero.

James begins his day selling at 8am, staying out through to 2pm, six days a week, all year round and in all weather conditions.

In preparation for his shift, Adam was even issued an official Big Issue vendor badge. During his morning out, Adam sold about five copies of the magazine.

The system works by vendors buying each copy for £2.50, and selling them on for £5.00, enabling them to earn an income and ti learn to manage an extremely small business.

At Christmas, James is known for dressing up as Father Christmas to entertain children. Next year however, he has promised a change of costume to start being the Grinch – whose growing popularity was proven by his appearance at Ilkeston’s Christmas lights switch on this year.

Adam said: “Spending such a cold Saturday morning out selling the Big Issue showed me just how hard life as a vendor can be – only selling a handful of copies to the few people about in icy temperatures. But what the Big Issue promotes is independence – helping people develop routine and new skills.

I would encourage people that, next time you’re walking down Bath Street, say hello to James and buy a copy – it really does make a difference.”