The Big Issue: is it sustainable in a cashless society?

This paper considers the challenges faced by The Big Issue street vendors in the United Kingdom (UK) in an increasingly cashless society. It reviews the future sustainability options for street vendors in the UK and Australia, particularly in light of the UK’s departure from the EU which will impact on the numbers of vendors and employees available to The Big Issue. Strategic workforce development planning will need to be undertaken with an eye to long term sustainable business practices. The Big Issue will also need to develop a sustainable distribution system including the location of centralized distribution points across the UK and Australia.