PDA Union joins NHS National Staff Side, amplifying pharmacists' voice in Agenda for Change

Staff Side membership allows the PDA to participate in the NHS National Joint Council, which oversees changes to Agenda for Change

The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has secured the right to negotiate and agree on proposed changes to the NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) terms and conditions for its members.

This milestone follows an agreement with other NHS trade unions, enabling the PDA Union to join the NHS Staff Side. As part of this group, the PDA can now actively participate in the NHS National Joint Council, which oversees changes to AfC.

Participation in the NHS Staff Side brings significant benefits for PDA members, especially those employed in the NHS under AfC.

In addition to providing the PDA the right to negotiate and agree proposed changes to AfC, it empowers the trade union to advocate for pharmacists at the highest levels in the NHS, participate fully in the NHS Social Partnership Forum, and collaborate with other unions on critical issues such as NHS pay.

It also gives PDA members the right to be represented at local trust level on matters handled by local staff sides.

The PDA highlighted that this membership ensures equal representation rights for more than 7,000 NHS-employed members similar to those achieved for Boots employees five years ago.

Additionally, it strengthens the position of local PDA representatives, allowing them to join local negotiating committees and be fully involved in discussions on issues, such as changes to on-call arrangements, often delegated to local trusts and other employers.

While NHS pay remains under the purview of the NHS Pay Review Body—except in Scotland, where pay is negotiated directly with the Scottish Government—staff side membership enhances the PDA's access to the Pay Review Body.

It also enables the union to coordinate its approach with others who share its analysis in the campaign to ensure higher than inflation increases for NHS employees.