Ahead of the Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms Bill having its second reading in the Houses of Parliament on Friday 13 March, Grays Schoolwear is stepping up in defence of its suppliers.

Via a campaign running this week – Project SOS: Support Our Suppliers – the schoolwear retailer is highlighting the positive work being done within the industry.

Every day, Grays Schoolwear is celebrating one of its suppliers and the meaningful work it does for the industry.

Commenting on the campaign is Grays’ marketing manager, Kim Heaton. “When this Bill had its first reading there were debates on TV, #schooluniform was trending throughout the UK for hours, and both uniform suppliers and manufacturers were receiving some severe backlash.

“When all of this happened, we stayed quiet; along with many of the other retailers, suppliers and manufacturers in our industry. This time, however, we are standing up for the schoolwear industry with Project SOS – Support Our Suppliers. All week we will be sharing the wonderful things our suppliers bring to the schoolwear industry.”

The campaign covers points including the industry’s sustainability efforts, ethical workplace standards, and how the sector helps boost local economies.

“Our suppliers bring a lot of ‘good’ to the table,” continues Heaton. “You may be able to buy a full uniform for £4.50 at a budget supermarket, but do you know where that uniform is coming from? Are the fabrics sustainably sourced? Are the workers earning a decent wage?

“Is the company helping the economy in your local area or is it making millionaire CEOs? Will the supermarket polo last for the whole school year, like the one from a schoolwear supplier? Or will it need replacing four times due to bad quality manufacturing?”

For further information on Grays Schoolwear’s campaign, please click here.