Management at The Big Issue Group are proposing to move editing and production of its Welsh title to Glasgow, leaving it with just one full-time staff writer in the country. The magazine’s editor and designer are both facing the prospect of redundancy because of the changes.

Those backing the campaign are concerned about how the decision could affect the ability of the title to provide high-quality Welsh content.

Classical music star Katherine Jenkins said: “Big Issue Cymru always has its finger on the pulse and tackles issues from a solid Welsh perspective. On top of that it is a good all round read, understanding and supporting Welsh culture. I don’t understand how this could continue to work being edited from Scotland? My fingers are crossed, as it would be a very sad day for Wales to see the editorial being written in Glasgow, hundreds of miles away from where it’s all happening.”

Bethan Elfyn, who presents BBC Introducing in Wales on BBC Radio One, said: “As contributor, reader and supporter I was proud of the achievements of the staff at Big Issue Cymru, and thought they did the magazine proud with their articles, their working relationship with people like myself, and the vendors, and gave the Big Issue a great reputation here in Wales. I am concerned that one member of staff only representing Wales is a token gesture and will not be a good reflection of the world, the people and the activities here in Wales. I hope the sales and the good works that BI does for the homeless won't suffer as a by-product of these cuts and changes. The staff in Cardiff worked damn hard and will be sorely missed.”

Author Rachel Trezise, winner of the inaugural Dylan Thomas Prize for her book Fresh Apples, has also backed the campaign, saying: “I am extremely saddened by The Big Issue’s decision to move the production of The Big Issue Cymru to its Scottish office and make editorial staff in Wales redundant. Retaining only one Wales-based staff writer will undoubtedly alienate the magazine’s Welsh audience and ensure the circulation of the Big Issue decreases dramatically in Wales. The magazine, as we all know, is a vital source of income for the homeless in Wales. It is also a very culturally significant publication; one of few independent Welsh media voices that supports native arts.

“The Big Issue Cymru has been hugely imperative in my own career, as both an author and a journalist. My prize winning collection of short stories, ‘Fresh Apples’, derived from The Big Issue Cymru’s annual Summer Short Stories series, just one of the opportunities I fear other Wales based writers will forego if The Big Issue’s illogical proposals go ahead.”

The NUJ is also concerned that the changes could spell the end for Welsh language content in the magazine, since they will mean the loss of The Big Issue’s Welsh speaking staff.

3 October 2008