Insight Online – May 2025 | The Pharmacists' Defence Association

In this issue:

PDA members respond to proposed NHS pay rise
The declining rates of pay for locum pharmacists
PDA comments on a third of all pharmacies now being independent prescribers
ICB Model restructure blueprints in detail
PDA attends the 128th STUC Conference
PDA is now hiring!
Latest News
Upcoming PDA events and courses
Get outdoors with savings on PGL trips!
Are your details up to date?

PDA members to respond to proposed NHS pay rises

The Westminster government has announced a proposed pay increase for NHS employees in England, which is likely to be replicated in Wales and Northern Ireland in due course.

This proposed increase is set against the context of the latest inflation figures showing CPI (Consumer Price Index) reaching 3.5% and the recent NHS pay agreement in Scotland, where pay is negotiated with health unions. This year’s agreement for NHS staff in Scotland was for 8% over two years (4.25% in April 2025 and a further 3.75% in April 2026).

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland there are no pay negotiations, instead a pay review body arrangement exists. The pay review body (PRB) or “review body” is a government-appointed standing committee tasked with assessing evidence submitted by the government, trade unions, and other ‘interested parties’ on the principal terms and conditions of service of those working in a particular sphere of the public sector. After considering this evidence, along with any relevant research, the committee issues recommendations to the government.

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The declining rates of pay for locum pharmacists

Last month, the PDA invited locum pharmacists from across the UK to share their experiences regarding their pay, and the availability of work open to them, via the Locum Rate Snapshot Survey.

The analysed results, which comprised of more than 1,300 responses, supports the anecdotal reports and experiences of PDA members. The current situation for many is of significantly reduced rates of pay, coupled with a reduction in the amount of work that is available to locum pharmacists across the UK.

Many respondents have contributed their thoughts, and opinions, on the causes of this situation, and their frustrations with some of the associated behaviours of employers and agencies/platforms. Some of these were published earlier this month in a previous article, which can be found by clicking here.

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PDA comments on a third of pharmacies now being independent prescribers

PDA Director of Pharmacy, Jay Badenhorst, breaks down the more significant challenges facing independent prescribers (IPs) in the near future, and how further action is needed to ensure that current growth does not come at the cost of equality.

The PDA welcomes the news that as of 31 March 2025, one third (33%) of all pharmacists in Great Britain are now qualified as independent prescribers (IPs). This marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the pharmacy profession and reflects the commitment of pharmacists to develop advanced clinical skills that can improve patient care and alleviate pressures on the wider health system.

We particularly note the accelerated growth in Wales (44%) and Scotland (48%), which continues to outpace England (32%). These differences mirror long-standing regional variations in workforce investment and structured clinical service implementation. However, while the statistics appear promising on the surface, the reality facing many pharmacist IPs is far more complex.

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ICB model restructure blueprints

The PDA is continuing to represent the interests of pharmacist during the restructuring of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in England, seeking to cut ICB budgets by as much as 50%. As the ICB blueprint has been published, here is how the PDA has responded.

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PDA attends the 128th STUC Conference

The PDA’s own delegation attended and actively engaged in the 128th Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) conference, which was held in Dundee from Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 of April. Find out what the team got up to.

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PDA is now hiring!

The PDA is now recruiting for two new positions; Pharmacist Teacher Practitioner Coordinator, and National Officer. If you’re interested in making a difference to pharmacy in the UK, and being a voice for the profession, apply today.

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Below is a list of the other key news stories that have been published on our website this month:

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Upcoming PDA events and courses

The PDA hosts and organises a range of events to help pharmacists discover new career paths, build their network, and more. By being a PDA member, you already have access to a host of events and courses that can help you sharpen key skills and be a stronger voice for change in your workplace. You can also still sign up for the following events and courses taking place in June:

3/2/25-31/12/25 – CV Writing and Interview Skills – Online/self-directed
6/3/25-31/12/25 – Reps Online Induction – Online
17/3/25-23/6/25 – Assessment Revision Programme – Online/self-directed
3/6/25 – NHS pay rise 2025: an event for PDA NHS members – Online
4/6/25 – Getting Mentally Prepared – Online
14/6/25 – Pharmacists for humanity: Awareness, action and opportunity – Birmingham
19/5/25 – Locum Matters – 19 June 2025 – Online
24/6/25-25/6/25 – Reps Programme – PDA Reps Stage 1 – Online
1/7/25 – Negotiating skills for locum members – Online
17/7/25 – How to thrive in your trainee year – Online workshop

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Get outdoors with savings on PGL trips!

Do you want to get away this summer? Through PDA Plus, you’re guaranteed to have a great time with 20% off family breaks and multi-activity kids’ camps – accommodation and meals included! That’s yet another great PDA member benefit! Learn more and see how you could benefit from a range of other PDA Plus offers by logging into your account today!

We support the needs of individual pharmacists and pharmacy students and when necessary, defend their reputation. Therefore, it is crucial that we hold your correct details on file to ensure that you stay supported and do not miss out on important information relating to your membership.

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