Lloydspharmacy and the Co-operative Pharmacy have offered relocation packages to pharmacists struggling to find jobs in Northern Ireland.
Lloydspharmacy held a recruitment event for Northern Ireland pharmacists in October after funding cuts had left local jobs in "short supply". But the multiple had "plenty of opportunities" in other parts of the UK, it stressed.
The Co-operative Pharmacy also highlighted that Northern Ireland pharmacists could apply for its "flexible" relocation package, which included accommodation costs and employee benefits.
Boots did not give any details of relocation opportunities, but it said "all community pharmacists" in Northern Ireland had been affected by the cuts. The multiple added that it had been lobbying ministers to address the funding issues.
Pharmacists in Northern Ireland could stand to boost their careers by relocating, said Lloydspharmacy.
"Other parts of the UK have a shortfall of qualified and talented pharmacists," said Barbara Sutherland, head of capability at Lloydspharmacy. "If pharmacists are willing to consider relocating, they can keep their career on track."
Ms Sutherland added that the company could help employees relocate smoothly. "We know that it can be a big decision and that moving to a new area can be challenging, so we are doing everything we can to support pharmacists," she explained. "Depending on the length of the role, pharmacists can benefit from fully organised and paid-for accommodation when they first arrive and very flexible leave to return home over Christmas."
