Retailer Claims School Uniform Costs Soared Due to Sports Kits, Says International Edition (English)

A retailer claims that branded school sportswear has increased the expense of school uniforms and has “damaged the image” of suppliers.

Jan Buchanan informed MLAs at Stormont’s Education Committee that numerous parents are currently spending more money on their children’s PE gear than on their school uniforms.

She was among several merchants who provided testimony to the committee regarding

suggested legislation to cap the cost of school attire.

A parent informed FarovintNews NI that the increasing expense of uniforms has made it “extremely challenging.”

In addition to setting a maximum price cap, Education Minister Paul Givan mentioned that there might be

a restriction on the quantity of brand-name items

For instance, a school might request parents to purchase items like PE kits.

The School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill is presently under review by the education committee.

Significant amount of money

Kerri Denvir has two kids who attend primary school in Newtownabbey, County Antrim.

She informed FarovintNews NI that items frequently require replacement throughout the year, and she noted that the costs were increasing steadily.

“As they don’t last long and kids grow out of them rapidly,” Ms Denvir stated.

“They tumble in the playground and end up with tears in their pants, costing another £20. It seems like you’re always replacing items,” she mentioned.

Occasionally, a deal might be available in August, but when you return to replace it during the colder months, the price has increased.

The sum isn’t just two or three pounds; it’s quite substantial, with an increase of around £20 to £30 each year.

‘Exceptionally difficult’

A single mom of three children named Tina Mellon stated that the increasing expense of school uniforms was “extremely challenging to handle.”

She informed FarovintNews NI that her son, who attends primary school, needs not only the standard school uniform but also a specific branded outfit for physical education classes.

She mentioned that numerous non-branded products would suffice, especially for elementary school kids and undoubtedly for sports activities.

‘Northern Ireland falls short’

At the committee meeting held on Wednesday, the retail representatives requested a three-year period of grace before any new legislation came into force.

Alastair McCall from McCalls of Lisburn informed MLAs that failing to do so might lead to “a significant risk of bankruptcies and widespread job losses” under the new legislation.

Francesca Cahill from Truly Fare in Belfast informed MLAs that the present school uniform grant for disadvantaged families in Northern Ireland is significantly less compared to what is provided in Wales or Scotland.

“In contrast, Northern Ireland doesn’t measure up,” she stated.

Mrs. Buchanan from Warnock’s in Belfast stated, “The school uniforms have remained largely unchanged; however, the requirement for branded athletic wear has been introduced.”

“As you’re aware, these are supplied solely by sports firms that have secured a monopoly over the provision of such goods,” she stated.

As a result, this has increased the overall cost of uniforms, damaged reputations, and adversely affected small family-owned enterprises.

Ms. Buchanan provided an instance from an unspecified school where she mentioned that the overall expense for uniforms was £86.90, whereas the mandatory PE kit amounted to £198.70.

A discussion about the suggested new legislation drew 7,500 replies.

Moreover, numerous parents voiced their objections to schools mandating students to wear physical education attire from a specific brand.