Labour’s pledge to limit branded school uniform items ‘will cost parents more’

Matthew Easter, chairman of the Schoolwear Association, said further restrictions on the number of branded items that schools required could create “inequality in school” and drive up costs as young people put pressure on their parents to buy alternative clothing from brands such as Nike or Adidas. The Labour Party’s manifesto, published ahead of the General Election in a fortnight, has pledged to “bring down the cost of school by limiting the number of branded items of uniform and PE kit that schools can require”. But Mr Easter from the Schoolwear Association, which represents manufacturers, suppliers and retailers of school uniform, said the policy would have a “negative impact” on schools, parents and pupils.

He also warned that further restrictions would “decimate” the schoolwear industry and a lot of small retailers “would not survive”. Mr Easter told the PA news agency that Labour’s policy created a number of “unforeseen consequences” as it opened up competition amongst children and reduced the “social levelling” factor which uniform provided. He said: “We strongly feel that it will result in costing parents more rather than less because of pressure from their children to buy branded items, which are a lot more expensive and don’t last as long as school uniform items.

” Schools have told the association that they are more likely to reduce the number of branded school sportswear items over daywear. Mr Easter said: “What happens is t.