Time to call time on 'school uniform scandal'

“It’s time to call time on the school uniform scandal”, says Nicola Grant of the Workers Party who while commending the efforts of local charities believes that unjustifiable demands are being placed on parents.

“Even without the current cost of living crisis, the cost, the demands and the specifications are placing unjustifiable demands on parents and damaging peer pressure on pupils”, Nicola said.

“In addition to that, the fact that a number of schools have benefited financially and in-kind from exclusive deals with suppliers and manufacturers is an outrage and an affront to pupils and parents alike”.

"I commend the efforts of local charities and schools who have opened their doors for uniform swaps, but unfortunately this only highlights the issues of extortionate costs".

“Tinkering around the edges, offering 10% off here and 20% off there doesn’t even begin to address the problem, let alone solve it. Every child can learn as just as well wearing unbranded sportswear and plain, trousers, skirts and blazers, shirts and blouses”, Nicola said