Silent streets: New report finds over half of Big Issue vendors’ greetings now go ignored

• New national survey shows social disconnection on the rise as nearly two-thirds (63%) of Brits say we’re having less meaningful interactions with people we don’t know
• Big Issue vendors are bearing the brunt of an increasingly fractured society, with a nationwide observation of vendors finding that over half (54%) of approaches to passersby now go completely ignored
• Big Issue is urging the public to see the value of social engagement in the street as declining societal connection increasingly impacts its vendor community in the build-up to Christmas

Wednesday 12 November – 40% of Brits say they have no ‘meaningful interactions’ with someone they don’t know on the average week, according to new national survey commissioned by Big Issue.

Research by the global insights agency Kokoro showed that most Brits tend to feel that societal connection is decreasing – with 63% of respondents believing that people don’t interact positively with strangers as much as they used to. This view is especially prominent amongst those intending to vote for Reform UK at the next general election^[1].

With thousands of people set to turn to selling the Big Issue this winter as a vital source of income, the social enterprise is highlighting the decline in casual social connection in public spaces and the direct impact of this on its vendor community.

A nationwide observation of Big Issue vendors conducted alongside Kokoro’s survey showed that 54% of approaches by vendors to passersby are being completely ignored, with vendors reporting that being increasingly snubbed is impacting both their earnings and their mental wellbeing.

Today (12 November), Big Issue has launched its 2025 Christmas campaign with a new film, Issues We Face, which follows three vendors sharing the real and relatable life circumstances that led them to sell the magazine, as crowds of oblivious passersby go about their days around them.

Shot in real time in a busy public location, the film is a visual reminder of how difficult a Big Issue vendor’s job is and why it’s important to stop and talk to Big Issue vendors as well as support them, if you can.

Big Issue vendor Tamara Putzu, who sells the Big Issue on Holloway Road in North London, and appears in the film, said: “I lost my job during COVID. That’s when my life started to fall apart. First my job, then my flat and even my relationship of twenty-two years. Big Issue helps me make a living and gives my life purpose.

“When people do stop that’s the best part of the job, talking and connecting – creating a community. It’s through those encounters I make a living.”

Lord John Bird, founder of the Big Issue, said: “There are a thousand reasons why someone may find themselves out in the cold selling you a Big Issue this Christmas. Some of their experiences may not be as far from your own as you may think.

“Our vendors are working hard to earn a living, so spare them your time to stop, talk and support by buying a magazine if you can. Remember to always take your magazine – this is crucial income for the Big Issue, which we use to support vendors in their trade and in other areas of their lives, like their housing, wellbeing and skills training.

“Alternatively, if you can’t reach your local vendor, buy a Vendor Support Kit and equip them for selling through the cold, dark winter.”

In Kokoro’s survey for Big Issue, 61% of respondents said that people should take the time to speak to people less fortunate than themselves – but only 43% said that they were ‘regularly’ taking the time to do this.

Although societal connection appears to be declining, the public still think there is value in interacting with strangers – with over half (54%) of Brits reporting that interactions with strangers ‘make their day better’.

The survey also shows a significant divide between older and younger people – with younger people having more meaningful interactions with strangers^[2] but reporting that they value these interactions less than older people do^[3].

This Christmas, Big Issue is asking the nation to support Big Issue vendors by purchasing a magazine every week or buying a Vendor Support Kit online. For more information, visit www.bigissue.com/christmas.

^[1] Over two-thirds (71%) of people intending to vote Reform at the next general election believe we’re having less meaningful interactions with strangers, compared to 64% of Labour intended voters.

^[2] 65% of under 35s say they are having one or more meaningful interaction with a stranger each week, compared with just 53% of 65s and over.

^[3] Just 42% of 18–24-year-olds believe interactions with strangers ‘make their day better’, compared to 62% of over 65s.

Ends  

NOTES TO EDITOR

About the survey

Global insights agency Kokoro surveyed 2,588 adults for Big Issue between 15^th – 30^th September 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+). More information on that survey is available from the Big Issue press office.

Kokoro Subscription speaks to 2,000 people every week and follows 50 households in depth. With 5.5 years of data, it’s the UK’s largest, most comprehensive consumer insight study. Kokoro specialise in connecting the dots and uncovering stories others miss.

Further insights:

• 42% of people intending to vote Reform at the next election have no meaningful interactions with a stranger on the average week, compared to 30% of intended Labour voters and 40% of intended Tory voters
• 69% of Brits say we spend so much time on digital devices that we miss out on real human connection
• 57% say a quick chat, a smile or small talk can ‘change your day’ or lift your mood
  • This drops to less than half (48%) for under 25s, but rises to more than 60% for 65+ – again showing a real difference between age groups

About the observations

Big Issue Group conducted observations of its vendors in London, Birmingham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Bristol between 20^th – 31^st October 2025. A range of times, weather conditions and pitch footfall were selected for observation to create a representative picture of varying vendor experiences.

About the film

Issues We Face is available to watch on Big Issue’s social media channels, YouTube or on bigissue.com.

Director: Dean G Moore
Production Company: Great Guns
Founder & E.P: Laura Gregory
E.P / Producer: Tim Francis
Producer: Michael George
Director of Photography: Thomas English
Camera: Max Hodgett
1st AD: Jack Green
Sound Recordist: Grant Studart
Editing: Sara Faulkner @ Stitch
Grade: Harry Shelton @ Unit

Post Production: Unit
Post Producers: Phil McCluney & Tania De Sousa
Sound Design and Production: Pitch & Synch

Location: With thanks to The Crown Estate