The pay lift will be effective from November 1 and was agreed yesterday (September 21) following “constructive discussions” between the union and Boots Management Services, the PDA announced this afternoon.
However, pharmacists who joined the multiple from August 1 this year, those who were rated as “not performing” at the end of the 2021/22 financial year, and trainee pharmacists will not be eligible for the pay increase.
“Boots and the PDA Union recognise the current unique market circumstances within the community pharmacy sector relating to the pharmacist workforce and this has been reflected in the agreed package of pay and benefits,” the organisations wrote in a joint statement.
During the negotiations, both parties considered the “current price inflation along with the ability of the business to afford and sustain any agreed increases”, they added.
A “top-up” for some
Pharmacists who had already received a pay rise “on or since” August 1 will be eligible for a “top-up” if they got an increase of less than 4.5%.
The pay rise will kick in from the beginning of November “to ensure that all eligible members of the bargaining unit receive a pay increment of no less than 4.5% in 2022”, Boots and the PDA Union agreed.
“Short-notice” payments to continue
As part of the pay deal, Boots will continue to make “short-notice” payments to pharmacists who offer to cover shifts following “unplanned absences arising within a 48-hour period”.
Pharmacists covering short-notice absences will be paid £100 for an eight-hour day and pro-rata if the shift length is shorter.
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