PDA Union members at Lloyds are understandably concerned about the potential for their branch to close or be “divested” by the company (sold as a going concern to another owner).
We understand that pharmacists will initially want to know about the new structures and how they align with the new roles that have been announced. Members report that changes have yet to be communicated satisfactorily. Likewise details of who remain as Area Managers seems to not be fully confirmed.
We also understand that pharmacists will want to know what happens if their branch closes or is sold.
We are sending this general communication to all members at Lloyds and have attached two briefings, one about redundancy and one about transfer of ownership which we hope you may find helpful in answering general questions about what may possible happen. Please read them to get a sense of what could happen.
Redundancy briefing:
Transfer briefing:
Although it could be in different ways, we appreciate that other branches may also be impacted by this decision as workload or personnel transfer and the PDAU are available to advise members facing any specific concerns at work.
If you have already contacted the PDAU for advice, there is no need to contact us again unless there are developments with your situation.
We have also started to hear reports about “loyalty” or “retention” bonuses being offered to pharmacists to stay in a branch to oversee its closure. We would be concerned that any such initiative by management is applied fairly and equally across the branch network and that any conditions necessary for it to be paid are achievable and reasonable in the circumstances.
Any such scheme should also be clear on the terms, for example if circumstances meant that you completed a proportion of the period under such a scheme or if you are absent during the period for any reason.
If you are asked to keep such a loyalty scheme secret or have been told that you have a “better deal than other people” then it’s entirely legitimate for you to wonder if that’s accurate. You can contact PDAU in confidence to talk about any workplace concern or query and would not be breaching the terms of any loyalty scheme by seeking advice from your union.
We are concerned for the well being of members affected by this announcement and in addition to the support and representation available from the PDAU, we would also like to remind you of the excellent personal support provided by Pharmacist Support.