Superdrug today (March 15) revealed the pay increase for newly qualified pharmacists that will see wages rise to £50,000.
A spokesperson for the multiple confirmed to C+D that this represents an 11% pay increase from its previous newly qualified pharmacist salary of £45,000.
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Superdrug said this will mean that pharmacists working for the multiple “continue to receive the strongest remuneration package on the high street today”.
The announcement comes as the multiple is “actively recruiting” for around 200 pharmacy roles nationwide, it added.
It remains unclear when the pay rise will take effect and whether it will apply to both new recruits and current staff.
New “wellbeing package”
Superdrug also today announced the introduction of a “new financial wellbeing package” to support staff with the rise in the cost of living.
And it said that it would offer “more mental health support for managers as pressures on pharmacies continues”.
The move will “enhance its already industry-leading benefits”, it added.
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“Our pharmacy team members are at the core of our business and I am delighted to announce this increase in newly qualified salary in recognition of the skill and expertise required for these roles,” Superdrug’s healthcare director Caris Newson said.
She added that “the last few years have been extremely challenging for pharmacists and pharmacy teams”, as well as highlighting “the vital and positive role that they play as clinical professionals”.
Pharmacy team leader role
Meanwhile, the multiple will also introduce a new “pharmacy team leader” role to “selected pharmacy stores”, it said.
The role will “nurture career development and support high performing teams”, it added.
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“Pharmacy team leaders will be dispenser trained and provide a clear line of accountability for day-to-day dispensary activity including adhering to legal and clinical frameworks whilst supporting, coaching, and developing a high-performing pharmacy team,” Superdrug said.
The new role will “offer a clear line of progression for talented pharmacy dispensers and technicians who want to do more in their career” and “recognises the valuable contribution” they play in community pharmacy, it added.
New heads of pharmacy operations
At the same time, Superdrug announced the appointment of two new heads of pharmacy operations to “lead and strengthen [its] offering nationwide”.
Craig Watt, pharmacist and previously area manager, has been appointed to head of pharmacy operations north and will be responsible for the operation of Superdrug’s central distribution hub serving its e-pharmacy and Online Dr team, it said.
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And Amit Vassa, pharmacist and previously senior healthcare services manager, has been appointed to head of pharmacy operations south for the company’s central pharmacy support team - responsible for improving the operating processes for Superdrug pharmacies - it added.
Both will also provide “professional leadership” to all Superdrug pharmacists and their teams, the multiple said.
Superdrug people director Amy Davies said the pair have worked for the multiple "for many years and their passion for pharmacy and patient care alongside their great leadership puts them in a strong position to lead and develop our pharmacy operations in the future”.
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“There's a reason Superdrug is consistently considered to be one of the best companies to work for and I’m confident we offer the strongest package, benefits, and perks to both attract and retain healthcare colleagues,” she added.
There are currently 155 pharmacists working for Superdrug, with an average length of service of seven years, the multiple said.
