EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS
In the event of a serious disagreement between a pharmacist and their employer, the PDA will always try and initially mediate so as to try and reach a satisfactory conclusion. However, sometimes such negotiations with an employer do not bring a dispute to a satisfactory conclusion. Where it is obvious that an employer is being unreasonable, the PDA supports its members through an Employment Tribunal process which allows for an employment dispute to be decided upon independently in a court style environment. Membership of the PDA entitles members to up to £500,000 worth of legal defence costs insurance* and it enables the payment of a legal advocate or barrister to progress a matter through the Employment Tribunal process.
Pharmacists may be surprised to learn that disputes with employers represent more than 50% of all the defence cases handled by the PDA. This gives some indication as to the extent of the problem of conflicts between employers and employees. Applicable to all employed members, protection is provided in situations where a dispute arises over a contract of employment or a breach of employment-related legislation, which leads to an employment tribunal.
*The insurance included with PDA membership is arranged and administered by The Pharmacy Insurance Agency (PIA) Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Register No 307063).