PDA assures support for pharmacists as TESCO confirms pharmacy closures

The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has raised concerns about the potential impact on employees following TESCO’s decision to close 10 of its pharmacies later this year.

The supermarket chain, which operates around 360 in-store pharmacies across the UK, has not yet confirmed which sites will be affected or the timeline for the closures.

Acknowledging that this uncertainty may cause some pharmacists “to feel anxiety over the future of their role and possible redundancies,” the PDA assured pharmacists that it will provide guidance and support to those impacted.

The retailer has assured patients that an alternative TESCO pharmacy will be available within a five-mile radius of any closing location.

However, the PDA argued that this could place additional strain on nearby pharmacies.

“Patient volume may migrate to other pharmacies depending on local circumstances. This may also mean more of a strain on these alternative pharmacies. This could even extend to other pharmacies outside of TESCO’s as patients try to find one that is more suitable and closer to them,” the PDA stated.

The PDA noted that many pharmacists have already expressed concerns about resource levels, suggesting that if patient numbers significantly increase, surrounding pharmacies will need additional resources, staffing and physical space on the premises to “safely cope with the increase in business.”

The association has advised pharmacy operators to plan ahead to ensure they are adequately resourced for any future increase in business due to Tesco closures.

For employees facing job loss, the PDA said it will do all it can for them.

It expects pharmacists to receive adequate redundancy compensation and fair treatment as they try and seek alternative employment during any notice period.

The PDA also highlighted the risk of redundancy and emphasised that employers should explore alternative options such as changing working hours, offering voluntary redundancy or moving employees into suitable alternative vacancies.

“Any proposed alternative needs to be suitable for the individual and their circumstances,” it said.

If no suitable alternative is available, a pharmacist’s role may become redundant.

The PDA’s redundancy factsheet outlines advises that those affected have the right to -

• Request information from their employer such as the reason for redundancy, the number of proposed redundancies, the proposed selection procedure, the method and timescale of dismissals, and details of any agency workers being used.

• Request reasonable time off to look for a new job or arrange training.
• Ensure that their employer does not discriminate or act unlawfully in how they make their selection of who is made redundant.
• Protection against discrimination or unlawful treatment in redundancy selection.

Pharmacists concerned about their employment status are encouraged to contact the PDA Member Support Centre for advice and assistance.