Within LloydsPharmacy, we have seen annual reductions in branch staffing levels at a time when targets and demands for our services have been increasing. The number of new services being imposed on us has been increasing year on year, yet staffing levels have been decreasing every year. There is a recruitment and retention crisis in all community pharmacies which feels severe in Lloyds.
Support staff recruitment and retention is a problem, with the PDA Reps Network in Lloyds hearing that they see better working conditions, better pay and more structured careers in other sectors e.g. retail. As pharmacist roles expand and more duties are delegated to support staff, Lloyds should be ensuring that all staff are rewarded adequately for their responsibilities. Support staff issues impact on pharmacist retention and recruitment as if there are less support staff then the pharmacist must do more.
This is a problem which needs addressing urgently. Please ensure that you continue to share your concerns with your PDA Reps and encourage your support staff colleagues to join in with the employers listening groups so that they are hearing concerns first-hand. |