Read the joint statement below:
Agreement reached between Boots and the PDA Union in settlement of the 2023 pay deal for Pharmacists
Following constructive discussions between Boots and the PDA Union negotiating teams, both parties are pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached in relation to this year’s pay claim, effective from 1 November 2023.
The agreement consists of the following changes to pay and benefits:
1. All eligible Pharmacists within the bargaining unit will receive a 5% pay award, which recognises the unique market circumstances for Pharmacists within the community pharmacy sector.
Furthermore, as an acknowledgement of Pharmacists’ commitment to establishing and delivering NHS core and advanced services*, and the level of change required in the coming year, a one-off non-consolidated payment of £750 pro rata** will be made to all eligible Pharmacists and Pharmacist Store Managers.***
The non-consolidated element to this year’s pay claim is to recognise the contribution that our Pharmacists need to make to support their commitment to the active delivery of new pharmacy services. This element of the pay award will be paid in the August 2024 payroll run.
This equates to a total package of pay and benefits of 6.5%.
2. In addition, to recognise the commitment and flexibility of Pharmacists, it has been agreed that the current Short Notice Payments provision/eligibility will continue.
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.
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.
*Core and Advanced services relate to:
- England: NMS, Hypertension Case Finding Service, Pharmacy Contraception Service and Common Clinical Conditions Service
- Wales: Clinical Community Pharmacy Service (CCPS) which includes the Common Ailments Service
- Northern Ireland and Scotland: Pharmacy First Service
**pro-rata for a 40 hour per week contract (capped at 40 hours)
***Eligible Pharmacists and Pharmacist Store Managers are qualified members of the bargaining unit who are employed on 1 November 2023 and who remain employed at the August 2024 payroll date and who are not in their notice period.
As with previous years, Pharmacists and Pharmacist Store Managers will be ineligible for the negotiated pay award if:
- They have joined or had a pay increase on or since 1 August 2023
- Those rated as not performing at EOY 2023
- They are a Trainee Pharmacist.
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