PDA Union reaches pay agreement with Boots for members

The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) Union has reached a deal for its members working at Boots, covering 6,000 pharmacists employed by the British retailer and pharmacy chain.

As per the agreement, union members working at the multiple will receive a 2 per cent pay rise effective from November 1, 2021, the two entities said in a joint statement.

The settlement, reached under the guidance of Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), covers provisionally registered pharmacists, pharmacists and pharmacist store managers in the bargaining unit for which the PDAU is recognized.

There will be improved benefits for those at the beginning of their careers as “all pharmacists qualifying in 2021 will be paid at least £38k gross FTE, including those who would otherwise be ineligible due to the 1st August cut-off.”

Those who qualified in 2020 will be paid at least £39,000 gross and those qualifying prior to 2020 will be paid at least £40,000 gross.

To promote career pathway for pharmacists to store manager the agreement will ensure a hike in the base starting salary for the pharmacist store manager role to £45,000 gross.

Besides, all eligible pharmacists will get two one off exceptional payments in January 2022 and March 2022 to support their continuous professional development.

There will also be provision for career conversations for all pharmacists at mid-year review to support their individual ambition and meaningful career progression.

Noting the role of pharmacists within local communities and community pharmacies, PDA said: “We value the contribution our pharmacists have made to our patients, communities and our business.”