Labour’s plan for cap on school uniform sparks urgent warning from retailers | Politics | News

Retailers have warned that the government’s proposed cap on school-branded uniform items risks closing businesses and increasing families’ costs.

The Schoolwear Association said the government has failed to engage with the industry on the risks of implementing a limit of branded kit to three articles, plus a tie, since September 2026 in England.

Matthew Easter, chair of the organisation which represents the school uniform industry, said: “We are concerned that the real impact of this new legislation has not been properly thought through by the Government.

“The Minister for Schools has declined opportunities to meet with the Schoolwear Association time and again. There is now a significant risk that the Government’s decision will adversely impact pupils and school life in general, by undermining the welfare and attainment benefits that uniform is there to preserve.

“Schools work hard to understand what works best for their community. Government should be supporting them to cater for their most disadvantaged pupils instead of imposing yet more rules for schools to implement. This completely arbitrary cap will have drastic unintended consequences for education standards and welfare – all while making the cost problem worse, not better.”

The schoolwear association’s poll found that at least 31% of school uniform retailers said their business risks closure if the cap is introduced.

And 88% reported they would need to consider staff redundancies, threatening thousands of jobs across the UK.

The Schoolwear Association said pupils may feel socially compelled to wear expensive in-fashion brands, particularly for sportswear, which will drive up costs for parents.

Roughly two-thirds of uniform costs already come from non-branded items, meaning any short-term savings of £5-10 from fewer branded items will likely be offset elsewhere.

A branded blazer lasts an average of 2.4 years, compared to 1 year for cheaper supermarket alternatives.

The association said this means families will need to replace generic items more frequently, increasing costs over time.

A Department for Education (DfE) has considered the impact of the cap on uniform providers, which the Government has said will save families more than £50 a child.

Ministers did not do a formal consultation on the uniform cap but the Government insisted it engaged with stakeholders informally through calls and meetings.

A spokesman for the DfE said: “A key aim of the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill is to cut the cost of sending children to school through free breakfast clubs and a cap on branded uniform items.

“Too many families tell us that the cost of school uniforms remains a financial burden. By limiting the number of branded items required, we can save families over £50 on the back-to-school shop.

“This government is committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity, ensuring every child can achieve and thrive.”