Uniforms & Workwear Market Report: June 2026

The Month in One Line

June's standout procurement event was the NHS Supply Chain Workwear and Uniforms framework renewal — the first since 2022 and the largest single uniform procurement event in UK public sector history.

What Moved in June

NHS Supply Chain uniform framework: NHS Supply Chain published the renewal of its Workwear and Uniforms framework in June. The new framework introduces sustainability requirements (minimum 30% recycled content), NHS colour-coding standardisation across all trusts, and a managed laundry services lot for the first time. Estimated annual value: £280m. ITT published 16 June, closing 1 August.

Fire and rescue PPE replacement: as noted across the emergency services market, the new NFCC PPE specification published in June renders most existing protective clothing non-compliant. 43 fire services are procuring replacement structural firefighting kit, thermal imaging equipment, and CBRN protection.

Prison officer workwear: HMPPS published a new national prison officer uniform and PPE framework in June. The contract includes body armour, cut-resistant gloves, and command-and-control vest systems in addition to standard workwear. Estimated value: £48m over 4 years.

School uniforms: fourteen councils and two MATs published school uniform supply agreements in June, following the new school uniform guidance requiring designated affordable supplier lists. Average annual value per agreement: £85k.

Highway and construction PPE: Highways England and Network Rail both published PPE supply framework renewals in June. High-visibility clothing, safety footwear, and head protection are the primary categories.

Who Is Buying Right Now

• NHS Trusts: the NHS Supply Chain framework is the primary route, but 28 trusts with specialist uniform requirements are procuring directly in addition to the framework.
• Police forces: following the Police Uplift Programme, 12 forces have active or imminent uniform procurement for newly recruited officers.
• Councils with directly managed workforces: waste, parks, and street-cleaning teams drive council workwear procurement. 18 councils published in June.

Forward Signals for July

NHS Sustainable Procurement targets (annual reporting begins July 2026) will push trusts to audit their current uniform supply chains. Non-compliant suppliers will lose contracts at renewal.

The Number That Matters

£280m — estimated annual value of the NHS Supply Chain Workwear and Uniforms framework. The largest UK public sector uniform procurement event of 2026.

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