The Big Issue magazine will be sold on the streets once more from July 6 as vendors return for the first time since March – and Big Issue founder Lord John Bird says “we can’t wait to be back”.

Around 2,000 vendors will sell the magazine across England, Scotland and Wales at the start of next month in accordance with a health and safety plan of action ensuring vendors can sell magazines safely and that customers are able to buy with confidence.

The plan includes investment in personal protective equipment for vendors and contactless card payments. More details will be announced next week.

It will be the first time in 15 weeks that vendors will be able to sell the magazine on their pitches after sales were stopped on March 20 to protect sellers from Covid-19.

Since then, The Big Issue has continued to support vendors with regular contact, cash and food vouchers, funded by a switch to an online subscription model as well as selling the magazine in stores for the first time and via an online app.

Big Issue founder Lord John Bird said: “Since the end of March, we’ve been going all-out to completely change, and save, the Big Issue during the Covid-19 crisis.

“Our utmost priority has always been the safety and wellbeing of our vendors.

“We are pleased to be working towards being back out selling on Monday, July 6, with a firm plan in place that gives peace of mind to readers and vendors alike.

“We can’t wait to be back. Our vendors are looking forward to getting back to selling the magazine to our fantastic customers who they have missed throughout the lockdown.”