As we continue to learn the effects the pandemic has had on low-income families, we are learning that they are now struggling with affording uniforms for their children to attend school. When COVID-19 started, the world quickly learned about mini-crisis that were occurring all across the US and the world. The virus affected the lives of everyone, but it hit low-income families hard. The loss of income and the increase of costs due to remote learning took a toll, and now that lockdowns are being lifted, these families continue to face struggles.

According to PHYS, school uniforms are proving to be an “unmanageable” cost for low-income families who have children looking to return to in-person schooling. This is based on a new study that was done by the University of York and the project was called the COVID Realities research project.

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The research showed that families who need to buy uniforms for their children are facing a sudden financial burden when they are already dealing with some strained budgets. These budgets are forcing families to make difficult choices between rent, food, heating, and, now, uniforms for school.

Dr. Geoff Page was one of the researchers on the project. Page stated that every time schools reopened, there was a “new wave” of parents who were concerned about being able to afford uniforms.

In a typical and normal year, uniform costs occur, but they are usually a bundle at the beginning of the year, and it was already a source of anxiety for low-income families.

Another concern is that the lockdown had resulted in the closure of charity and second-hand shops where these families could purchase uniforms at a cheaper cost.

One family explained their struggle by saying that they only bring in $556 a month right now, and a school uniform costs $310, making the problem clearly obvious.

This research study has led experts to call for making uniforms more affordable in general. There should be a national guide on how much a uniform should cost.

In the UK right now, the issue is being discussed within the government, and part of it is also calling for more help to families who are struggling financially. Children need to have the opportunity to succeed in the world, and they have a right to an education, but the cost of school uniforms can be a barrier to a much-needed education and this study is calling for change.

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Sources: PHYS, COVID Realities