Branded school sports kits have driven up the cost of school uniform and “ruined the reputation” of sellers, a retailer has said.
Jan Buchanan told MLAs in Stormont’s Education Committee that many parents were now are paying more for their child’s physical education (PE) kit than they are for their uniform.
She was one of a number of retailers who gave evidence to the committee about
proposed laws to limit the price of school uniforms.
A parent informed News NI that the increasing expenses for uniforms were making things “extremely challenging.”
In addition to setting a maximum price cap, Education Minister Paul Givan indicated that they might consider
a restriction on the quantity of brand-name items
For instance, items like PE kits, a school might request parents to purchase.
The bill concerning guidelines and allowances for school uniforms is presently under review by the education committee.
Significant amount of money
Kerri Denvir has two children in primary school in Newtownabbey, County Antrim.
She told News NI that items often need replaced throughout the year, and that costs were “going up, and up, and up”.
“They just don’t last and they’re growing out of them very quickly,” Ms Denvir said.
“When they tumble in the playground, their pants end up with tears, costing an additional £20. You find yourself always needing to replace items,” she explained.
Occasionally, a deal might appear in August, yet when you decide to purchase and replace it during the winter months, the price has increased.
The sum isn’t just two or three pounds; it’s quite substantial, with an annual increase possibly reaching £20 or even £30.
‘Exceptionally difficult’
Tina Mellon, who is a single parent raising three children, mentioned that the increasing expense of uniforms is “extremely hard to handle.”
She informed News NI that her child, currently attending primary school, needs not only the standard school uniform but also an additional branded PE outfit.
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 “transition period” before any new legislation came into force.
Alastair McCall from McCalls of Lisburn informed MLAs that without appropriate measures, the new legislation could lead to “a significant risk of bankruptcies and widespread job losses.”
Francesca Cahillin from Truly Fare in Belfast informed MLAs that the present school uniform grant for underprivileged 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 on the distribution of these products,” she stated.
As a result, this increase has driven up the overall cost of uniforms, damaged reputations, and adversely affected small family-owned enterprises.
Mrs. Buchanan provided an instance from an unspecified school where she mentioned that the overall expense for uniforms was £86.90, whereas the mandatory PE gear amounted to £198.70.
A review of the suggested legislation received 7,500 replies.
Additionally, numerous parents voiced their disapproval of schools mandating students to wear physical education uniforms from a specific brand.
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