The pandemic has highlighted just how thin the UK’s safety net has worn after years of austerity. The Big Issue has always had a social mission to dismantle poverty and create opportunity, and now that mission is needed more than ever.

As a reporter for The Big Issue, you will support our objective of making BigIssue.com a destination news site for anyone looking to understand and take action on the news of the day. We’re looking for a reporter to tackle the cost of living crisis head on, finding the stories of people directly affected, explaining the issues behind it and the actions people can take to help themselves and each other.

You will be responsible for writing articles and producing multimedia content across all of The Big Issue’s editorial channels, developing sources and champions in your specialist area, understanding and anticipating audience interests, driving traffic to the various branches of the wider Big Issue Group and raising the profile of The Big Issue and its mission in everything you do.

This role is initially offered as a one-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension subject to the success of digital, which the successful candidate will be instrumental in driving.

The Role

Main duties will include:

• Writing news stories and features to daily deadlines
• Keeping the editorial calendar up to date and plan ahead to make sure The Big Issue is part of the national conversation around news events
• Using social media to source and promote stories
• Contributing to the sourcing and production of multimedia content
• Regularly researching SEO keywords and producing high-ranking evergreen content in your specialist area

Skills & Experience

We are looking for a reporter with the following:

• At least two years’ experience in a newsroom, magazine or similar publication
• A nose for a story and hunger to understand and explain the issues facing modern Britain
• Experience developing sources and contacts as part of a beat
• Familiarity with digital production processes and CMSs such as WordPress

When you click on Apply, you will be asked to complete a short application form and then to upload your CV and a covering letter detailing your interest and suitability for the role.

For a full job description with details of skills and experience, please download from this link. 

Salary and Benefits Include:

• Salary of £24,000-26,000 per annum, dependent on experience and location
• Holiday entitlement starting at 25 days per year plus bank holidays on top, increasing by 1 day for each year of employment up to 30 days
• Company sick pay starting at 5 days of full pay, increasing by 5 days with each year of employment (up to 6 weeks)
• Paid time off to care for a sick child or grandchild and a sick or elderly relation
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension
• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
• Comprehensive flexible working policy open to all staff from day 1 of employment
• Free-of-charge BUPA healthcare cash plan scheme covering everything from dental and physiotherapy costs through to private consultations and scans
• Access to our Employee Assistance programme which includes counselling and a range of therapies 
• Life cover – a lump sum for your family or loved ones if the unexpected happens
• Comprehensive programme of professional skills training

Please note that we reserve the right to review and amend our staff benefits and they do not form part of any contract of employment.

This role will be based at our Head Office in London or our Editorial Head Office in Glasgow, with the possibility of remote working.

If you have any queries, please email hr@bigissue.com stating the job title.

Please mention Journo Resources when you apply, it really helps us out.