Labour's school uniform plan risks 'driving up costs' for families

Labour's plan to cut the cost of school uniforms could backfire badly and force up prices for struggling families, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has been warned. Retailers say they may be forced to increase prices, reduce support for low-income families or sack staff if the Government pushes ahead with plans to cap the number of required branded items at three, plus a tie.

A survey by the Schoolwear Association of more than 150 specialist retailers found 86% thought the policy would make uniforms more expensive in the long run. Six out of 10 said they would be forced to raise prices to cover lost revenue. A third warned their business would not survive if the cap is implemented in its present form - and 54% said they may have to lay off staff.

More than half (54%) said they would most likely have to reduce or remove discounts and support schemes for families on low incomes. The overwhelming majority (94%) accused the Government of not meaningfully consulting with retailers.

The Schoolwear Association is pushing for a "more realistic" cap of five branded items plus a tie. This comes as the House of Lords considers the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

Matthew Easter, who chairs the organisation, said: "These findings should come as a serious warning to the Government. We have repeatedly tried to engage with ministers in a constructive way to warn of the risks of this policy backfiring - harming the very families it's meant to help, and putting small community businesses and local jobs at risk.

"A blunt, one-size-fits-all cap will only drive-up costs and reduce access to essential support."

Katharine Birbalsingh, who co-founded the Michaela Community School in Wembley and has been called "Britain's strictest headmistress", has vociferously opposed the Education Secretary's plans, describing these as a "wrecking ball". She recently told the Express a strict uniform policy is essential to creating a sense of belonging in a school and creating a culture where bullying will not be tolerated.

The Schoolwear Association claims the average cost of compulsory secondary school uniform and sportswear is £92.35, down by a quarter since statutory guidance was introduced in 2021.

Iain Mansfield, head of education at the Policy Exchange think tank, said: "The existing uniform guidance - brought in with cross-party support in 2021 - is working well. In trying to fix something that's not broken, the Education Secretary's overly-simplistic approach may end up actually increasing the costs of school uniform for hard-working parents."

The campaigners warn that if schools stop requiring branded PE kit then costs could increase for parents and fewer children may take part in sports. Eight-five per cent of respondents expected parents will feel under pressure to buy expensive branded sportswear.

However, the Children's Society supports the planned limit of three branded items. The charity claims "thousands of children are being unfairly punished and excluded from education activities because their families cannot afford expensive school uniforms".

It reported two in five parents (38%) reported ongoing difficulties affording mandatory uniforms and PE kits.

Mark Russell, chief executive of The Children's Society, said: "Punishing children for circumstances outside their control is deeply unjust. Every child should be able to attend school without fear of detention, isolation, or exclusion because of uniform costs their families cannot afford."

But shadow education minister Neil O'Brien warned of the impact of Labour's plans.

He said: "Parents will end up paying more because schools will no longer be able to specify cheaper school uniform items, particularly for PE. That will mean kids pestering their parents for more expensive sportswear brands and the cost to parents will go up.

"Uniform is a good social leveller and when you get rid of it there is competition among kids to wear trendy brands and that will cost parents. There are fewer teachers in our state schools under Labour and they are cutting back parental choice of schools and lowering standards with their Schools Bill yet all they offer in response is fiddly measures which will backfire."

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "School uniforms can create a sense of community and belonging for children but they shouldn't cost the earth.

"Through our Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill we are capping the number of costly branded uniform items - putting money back into the pockets of working families as part of our Plan for Change.

"Whilst it might upset those who profit from branded items, it's clear from the Children's Society research that we have the backing of parents. It means schools can continue to benefit from a cohesive uniform, while parents can shop where suits their budget."