Pharmacists working at Boots are to receive a five per cent pay increase from November 1 following an agreement being reached by the company and the PDA Union.

The two parties issued a joint announcement this morning confirming the pay uplift, which they said “recognises the unique market circumstances for pharmacists within the community pharmacy sector”.

The increase will be effected for all pharmacists in the PDAU bargaining unit, with exceptions for individuals who have joined or had a pay increase since August 1, those rated as “not performing” by the end of 2023 and trainee pharmacists.

In addition to the wage increase, eligible pharmacists and non-pharmacist managers will receive a “one-off non-consolidated payment” of £750 next August, pro-rated where individuals work part-time. 

To qualify for the one-off payment, which is aimed at supporting pharmacists in “the active delivery of new pharmacy services” like the forthcoming common ailments service in England and Pharmacy First in Scotland and Northern Ireland, pharmacists and managers must be continuously employed between November 1 and the August 2024 payroll date. 

The pay deal also specifies that the current policy of offering pharmacists pro-rated payments of £100 for taking on unplanned shifts with less than 48 hours’ notice will be maintained.

“Payment in respect of this will also be extended to Sundays and bank holiday Mondays where notice of working on a non-planned day is given on the same day,” the two parties added.

The joint statement read: “Pharmacists continue to perform a vital role in the provision of accessible healthcare in the community. It’s a role we value immensely, and we’re committed to working together to champion a fulfilling future for all our healthcare professionals.

“We thank them for their continued commitment in looking after our patients and communities.”

P3pharmacy understands that some non-pharmacist employees whose pay review is due in November have been offered a four per cent pay increase, and that others will have their pay reviewed in April.