Welsh celebrities back NUJ’s campaign to keep Big Issue Cymru in Wales

The NUJ has got celebrity backing for its campaign to keep production of The Big Issue Cymru in Wales.

Press Gazette broke the story last month that the editor and designer on the weekly magazine are facing redundancy and production was moving to Big Issue Scotland, with only the staff writer remaining in Wales to produce local content.

The NUJ has got backing from opera singer Katherine Jenkins, Radio One DJ Bethan Elfyn and author Rachel Trezise it its campaign, which voices concern that the proposed changes could affect the ability of the title to produce quality Welsh content.

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?”

DJ Elfyn has contributed to the magazine. She said: ‘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.”