Pharmacists employed by LloydsPharmacy have voted to reject the company’s offer of a three per cent pay rise.

PDA Union national officer Paul Moloney wrote to pharmacists in the Lloyds bargaining unit last night to inform them that following a voting exercise that ended on Wednesday afternoon, “a majority of those voting rejected the offer, so we are not in a position to reach agreement”.

While the voting figures have not been made public, Pharmacy Network News understands that the deal was rejected by a decisive margin.

Mr Moloney said: “During the consultation, a number of suggestions were made by members on how the offer can be improved.

“This is very helpful and has enabled us to inform the company that in rejecting the offer we do have suggestions on how it can be developed to make it acceptable to members.

“We have therefore written to the company today seeking further discussions and will issue an update once we have their response.”

The offer of a three per cent increment, which came after two previous rejected proposals, had been described by the company as its final offer.

The PDAU had originally sought a pay rise in line with inflation, but the company has reportedly indicated that this is not on the table.

The multiple had also outlined proposals for a long-term incentive scheme that could see some pharmacists earn bonuses of up to  £10,000, but the PDAU advised the bargaining unit not to factor this in their decision making as these payments “are not guaranteed and are dependent on factors often out with the control of individuals”.

PNN understands there is no imminent prospect of a ballot on industrial action, as if the company declines further direct talks with the PDAU the matter will be referred to the Government’s Central Arbitration Committee.

LloydsPharmacy told PNN: “LloydsPharmacy is in negotiations with the PDA under its voluntary relationship. As the PDA Union have acknowledged, our offer is broadly within the range of increases being achieved within community pharmacy, the NHS, and the wider economy.

"While we’re disappointed to hear of the outcome, we are committed to working together with the PDA to reach an agreement that works for our colleagues, while ensuring the commercial stability and sustainability of our pharmacy network to serve our patients and customers.”