Pharmacists employed by Boots have accepted a 4% pay increase effective from 1 November following discussions between the retailer and the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) union.
Under the agreement, all eligible pharmacists, who are not in their notice period or have not had a pay increase on or since 1 August, will receive a 4% pay award as part of a recognition of their role within the community pharmacy sector and the business.
All qualified pharmacists with more than 10 years’ service on or before 31 October will be paid a minimum of £53,000 per annum, with those eligible who remain below the threshold after the 4% rise set to receive a further increase to bring them up to the minimum.
Furthermore, all substantively appointed and rated as performing Boots pharmacist store managers will be paid a minimum of £55,000 per annum, in recognition of their role at the retailer and their support of pharmacists pursuing broader leadership career pathways. Eligible employees who remain below this threshold after the 4% increase will also see a further increase to bring them up to the minimum.
To recognise the role that pharmacists play in supporting trainee pharmacists during their training year, the current honorarium payment will be increased from £1,000 to a £1,500 non-consolidated payment. Any eligible pharmacists will receive the payment once the trainee pharmacist’s 52-week sign off has been undertaken
In addition, the current short notice payments provision and eligibility will continue as last year, to recognise the commitment and flexibility of pharmacists.
A joint statement from Boots and the PDA stated: “Their contributions are deeply appreciated by both Boots and the PDA union, which have a joint commitment to collaborating to ensure a rewarding future for all pharmacists at Boots. Both negotiation teams thank pharmacists for their continued commitment to looking after patients and communities.”
