Big Issue partners LinkedIn to help vendors upskill and keep selling during pandemic

The Big Issue has teamed up with LinkedIn to support the magazine’s sellers whose livelihoods have been hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.The campaign, created by FCB Inferno, will use LinkedIn’s network to offer support, such as training, skills development or new job opportunities, to The Big Issue vendors. The partnership will give the participants access to a professional platform and aim to help them increase their sales amid the Covid crisis. Sellers of The Big Issue run their own micro-businesses by buying copies of the magazine for £1.50 each and selling them to the public for £3, through a scheme allowing those from disadvantaged backgrounds to earn a legitimate income. But during the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, many have been unable to make a living this way. Nine vendors are taking part in the pilot scheme with LinkedIn, with The Big Issue aiming to add more people to the programme throughout the year.  Through the partnership, the sellers have received specialist training from LinkedIn volunteers to help them build their confidence and reach an online customer base, engage with a wider community and find additional opportunities. They have also been taught best practices for disseminating news and stories from the magazine, and received tablets donated…
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