- Bridget Phillipson’s flagship pledge to cut the cost of school uniforms could increase costs for the very families she has promised to help, new industry evidence shows.
- Over 50% of schoolwear retailers say they may be forced to increase prices, cut support for low-income families, or lay off staff if the proposed branded uniform cap is introduced.
- New analysis reveals that, according to the government’s own data, just 14% of families might benefit from Labour’s £50 savings pledge – raising questions over the effectiveness of the policy. And even that figure can be challenged because the data they’ve used to justify this policy is inappropriate.
- The Schoolwear Association urges Government to adopt a more realistic cap of 5 branded items plus a tie, in line with national averages.
More than half of the UK’s specialist schoolwear retailers have warned that Labour’s proposed school uniform cap could drive up prices and significantly reduce support for low-income families, according to new data from the Schoolwear Association.
Under plans set out in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently in Committee Stage in the House of Lords, the Government intends to cap the number of branded uniform items to three per pupil, plus a tie for secondary students.
Labour claims that the policy could save families £50 per child, but this estimate is based on Department for Education survey data that compares the cost a parent may spend if they bought all items from specialist retailers (around 14% of respondents) and those who shop 100% from anywhere, implying no school branded uniform at all. As parents will already buy from a mix of outlets with the freedom to purchase across the high street for the majority, this comparison is completely irrelevant to the proposed legislation that is seeking to cap how many items schools can require to be branded, rather than where they are bought.
A new survey of over 150 specialist retailers, who collectively serve around 20% of UK schools, paints a concerning picture:
- 61.3% of schoolwear suppliers say they would be forced to raise pricesto cover lost revenue from fewer branded items.
- 53.5% say they would likely have to reduce or remove discounts, swap shops, and other vital support schemes for low-income families.
- 54.2%warn they may have to lay off staff, while 33.3% say their business would not survive if the cap is implemented in its current form.
- 85.9%believe the policy would make school uniforms more expensive in the long run.
- 93.6%say the Government has not meaningfully consulted retailers.
Many of the affected businesses are long-standing, family-run enterprises. Unlike supermarkets, which only stock uniforms seasonally and in limited sizes, these retailers provide year-round availability, bespoke sizing, and flexible payment plans; services that are crucial for lower-income families and children with specialist needs.
Matthew Easter, Chair of the Schoolwear Association, 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.”
Meanwhile, the average cost of compulsory secondary school uniform and sportswear is now £92.35 – a 25% drop since the Department for Education introduced statutory guidance in 2021. This is in stark contrast to the rising cost of children’s fashion items like coats, bags and trainers, which have soared in recent years. The fact that school uniform costs are falling while wider clothing prices rise underlines that the existing guidance is working – making further intervention not only unnecessary, but counter-productive.
Matthew Easter continues: “The existing guidance is working. It has reduced costs while preserving quality, consistency and access. The legislation as proposed will undermine the values and benefits of uniform in schools whilst driving up costs in the long run, which is why we’re calling for a more realistic limit of 5 branded items plus a tie – which reflects the current average – and a proper consultation with the retailers and schools who know this sector best.”
