Keir Starmer’s Labour Warns Schools: Strict Uniform Policies May Breach UK Law
Keir Starmer’s government has issued a stark warning to schools (Image: Getty)
Keir Starmer’s government has issued a stern warning to schools, suggesting they should tread carefully with stringent uniform rules that could potentially violate the law.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has encouraged schools to reflect on whether their uniform policies truly serve the ‘best interest of pupils and parents’. This comes after an investigation into the impact of rigid policies across the country.
While acknowledging that uniforms provide students with a ‘sense of identity’, it also highlighted the often substantial cost associated with them.
Taking into account the extra expenses of childcare and entertainment during the summer holidays, the CMA suggested that managing the cost of uniforms can pose a significant challenge for some families.
Its spokespeople explained: “At the (CMA), we’ve been looking at the impact of school uniform policy over the years and have advocated for schools to ensure that their policies are not overly restrictive, limiting the choice of what parents and carers can buy.
“For example, some families are forced to buy what they consider to be unnecessarily branded items of school uniform, often from suppliers and retailers who have exclusivity agreements with particular schools. It may come as a surprise to many schools and their governing bodies that they may in fact be breaking competition law if those policies are too restrictive.”
The CMA isn’t demanding schools to entirely rethink their uniforms, but it is encouraging them to co (Image: Getty)
The CMA is not insisting that schools completely overhaul their uniforms, but it is urging them to take into account several crucial factors when assessing their flexibility. This notably includes examining uniform exclusivity contracts and deals that could potentially breach the law.
“Have you awarded a contract to a manufacturer for sale through third party retailers?”, it asked. “If so, are there any provisions that fix the minimum price that the uniform can be sold at? Such arrangements could be a breach of restrictions on resale price maintenance.
“How many items of uniform are branded or highly tailored to your school? While less common colour combinations may give a greater sense of identity, does this reduce the number of suppliers who will choose to invest in a stock uniform that can only be sold to a small pool of customers?”
Besides this, parents are advised to compare prices and be vigilant for warning signs (Image: Getty)
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The CMA also suggested that schools establish second-hand uniforms shops. Whether that’s redistributing lost property, selling donated clothing or even setting up a size-swapping store, it can help extend the lifespan of existing uniform.
In addition to this, parents are advised to compare prices and stay alert for warning signs like ‘pressure selling’. In separate guidance issued last year, the CMA said: “Make sure you understand what your school’s uniform policy is and especially what items need school branding and where they can be bought from.
“Even if you can only buy branded items from one place, make sure you find the best deals for everything else. Remember that for many items you do not need to buy from a school’s approved shop. Some retailers might make you rush into paying by saying that stock is low, lots of people are looking right now, or that it’s only available for a limited time.
“This is not always true. So, take your time to compare prices and availability on other sites, and ignore sales tactics that pressure you.”
