Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Gen-Z prefers Pharmaceuticals over Tech and Finance, new ABPI report reveals

Gen-Z prefers Pharmaceuticals over Tech and Finance, new ABPI report reveals
The ABPI report also notes a strong attraction to the pharmaceutical industry among those with STEM backgrounds

In a significant shift, younger workers are increasingly choosing careers in the pharmaceutical industry over traditional sectors like finance and technology, a new research study by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has highlighted.

Driven by perceptions of better work-life balance and a greater sense of social purpose associated with pharmaceuticals, the report titled Young People's Perceptions of Careers in the Pharmaceutical Industry, highlighted motivations behind young people's career choices.


While a good salary continues to be the leading factor influencing career decisions for young people, with 50 per cent of respondents citing it as their primary concern, 28 percent said work-life balance, only 23 per cent said engaging work and job security (20 per cent) are significant considerations for job seekers.

According to the report, young people rate the pharmaceutical sector higher in terms of positive contributions to society compared to technology, 54 per cent and 23 per cent, respectively, and finance (53 per cent vs. 25 per cent ), and energy (53 per cent vs. 20 percent).

Andrew Croydon, Director of ABPI Education and Examination Policy & Partnerships, commented on these findings, emphasising the need for industries to adapt to changing preferences.

"As the workforce landscape continues to evolve, it's crucial for industries like ours to adapt to the changing preferences of the generations to come.

"By offering competitive salaries, promoting work-life balance, and highlighting the societal impact of their work, companies can attract and retain top talent in this competitive market," Croydon said.

The report also reveals a consistent trend across various demographic groups, indicating that regardless of gender, age, education, or financial background, young professionals prioritise earnings, work-life balance, job security, and engaging work.

This consistency highlights the universal appeal of these job attributes among young professionals.

However, the report points out that the pharmaceutical industry still faces challenges.

Many young people are unaware of the diverse range of opportunities within the industry and the various routes of entry available.

Although the number of life sciences apprenticeships has been steadily increasing, this lack of understanding contributes to perceptions of narrow career pathways and limited diversity.

To address these challenges, the ABPI report offers actionable recommendations for industry leaders including transparent salary benefits, industry awareness, and clear job requirements.

The report also notes a strong attraction to the pharmaceutical industry among those with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) backgrounds.

Recent statistics from the Office for Life Sciences show that the UK has a high proportion of graduates completing STEM courses, ranking second behind India in 2021.

More For You

NHS pharmacy funding not enough 2025: £3.073B deal with £1.99B gap fuels reform debate.

Funding alone isn’t going to be enough to save community pharmacy

Photo credit: gettyimages

New funding contract ‘not enough’ to release the sector from financial blackhole

After almost a year without an agreement, a new funding contract for community pharmacy was finally announced yesterday (31 March).

The settlement raises the baseline annual funding for the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) in 2025/26 to £3.073 billion, with an additional £215 million secured to continue Pharmacy First and other Primary Care Recovery Plan services.

Keep ReadingShow less
Free morning-after pill at pharmacies to end postcode lottery for patients

Pharmacy technicians will be allowed to supply of drospirenone for contraception under PGD,

gettyimages

Pharmacy contract: Free morning-after pill to be available at pharmacies soon

The UK government has announced that, for the first time ever, the ‘morning-after pill’ or emergency contraceptive pill will be available free of charge at pharmacies on the NHS, ending the postcode lottery women face in accessing the medicine and reducing inequalities.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed a record £3.073 billion funding package for community pharmacies in 2025/26, alongside an additional £215 million to sustain Pharmacy First and other Primary Care Recovery Plan services.

Keep ReadingShow less
Royal College status: The PDA calls for ‘meaningful and collaborative dialogue’

The profession’s success will depend on collaboration across all sectors, says PDA.

gettyimages

Royal College vote: Less than 7% of GB pharmacists in favour, says PDA

The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has criticised the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) for moving too quickly to a ballot on its proposed transition to a Royal College, arguing that it resulted in low participation from pharmacists in Great Britain.

Announcing the results of the special resolution vote, the RPS said that the outcome was a “clear mandate” in favour of the transformative change.

Keep ReadingShow less
RPS Wales calls for urgent investment in pharmacy workforce at Senedd meeting

Third from the left: Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales

Photo credit: RPS

Invest in pharmacy workforce: RPS Wales urges Senedd members

Members of the Senedd (MSs) were briefed on the increasing pressures facing pharmacy teams and the urgent need for action to support their health and wellbeing at an event hosted by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Wales.

The event, held on Wednesday, brought together MSs, including first minister Eluned Morgan, to discuss the findings of RPS’ latest Workforce Wellbeing Survey.

Keep ReadingShow less
Imported dengue reach record high, warns UKSHA

Most dengue cases were linked to travel to Southern and South-Eastern Asia.

Getty Images

Imported dengue cases hit record high – Consult your pharmacist before you travel

The UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) has warned that imported dengue cases in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (EWNI) have reached their highest level since dengue surveillance began in 2009.

New data from the agency reveals that 904 dengue cases were reported among returning travellers in these countries in 2024, a sharp increase from 631 in 2023.

Keep ReadingShow less