The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) Union is now “significantly behind in securing an increase in pay that meets the objectives set out in our claim”, the national negotiator and lead for the Lloydspharmacy negotiations Paul Moloney wrote in an update to members this evening (May 25). 

The pay talks – which began in early February – have to date resulted in offers by the multiple to increase pay by 1.8% and 2.3%, “the latter coupled with a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) that will deliver further increases in income, but not for two years”, Mr Moloney added.

The PDA is currently “waiting to see if [Lloydspharmacy] can improve its offer”, he said. 

“We are acutely aware that your pay increase was due on April 1,” he added, anticipating that any deal “finally reached” by the two parties would be backdated.

The union hopes the multiple will “continue to be in a position to make an offer that includes a pay increase from April 1 and proposals regarding an incentive plan”, he said. 

A spokesperson for Lloydspharmacy confirmed to C+D that the multiple is “currently in negotiations with the PDA under its new voluntary relationship”. 

“We are committed to working together to reach an agreement that works for our colleagues, while ensuring the commercial stability and sustainability of our pharmacy network,” they added. 

 

“Change of ownership has inevitably delayed the process”

 

Last month, private equity firm Aurelius Group completed its acquisition of McKesson UK, Lloydspharmacy’s parent company. 

This change of ownership “occurred during the crucial stages of our [pay] negotiations”, Mr Moloney claimed, “inevitably delaying the process”.  

 

Read more: Second Lloydspharmacy leadership team member steps down within a week

 

The union is now “urgently seeking assurances” that Lloydspharmacy is “still considering points we have made about how best to use the money available”, he added. 

 

Will offer “address cost-of-living crisis”?

 

The union is currently awaiting confirmation that the incentive plan in Lloydspharmacy’s improved pay offer will not be “used solely to improve retention by delaying payment for two years”, Mr Moloney stated. 

He indicated that the multiple should “use some of the money earmarked for the LTIP scheme now to help address the cost of living crisis we know members are facing”. 

 

Read more: Lloyds agrees to let PDA negotiate pharmacists’ pay and conditions

 

Mr Moloney asked union members to wait for further developments in the discussions. 

“As soon as we have a confirmed offer from the company, we will publicise the full details of it and members will be consulted fully on whether or not it is acceptable,” he said.