The move is set to benefit both Lloydspharmacy employees and locums based in England, a spokesperson told C+D last week (August 11).

“The rising cost of fuel is putting pressure on everyone, particularly those who rely on their cars for work,” they said.

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The decision to up mileage rates “marks our continued commitment to be an employer of choice”, the spokesperson added.

C+D asked how much the rates had increased by and whether this measure was introduced in a bid to attract more pharmacists to the multiple. However, the spokesperson said they could not share that level of detail.

Boots: Rates are regularly reviewed

Boots’ “eligible team members” also have access to increased mileage rates, a spokesperson for the multiple told C+D today (August 15).

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The multiple reviews business mileage reimbursement rates “regularly”, “taking into account both Her Majesty Revenue and Customs’ guidance and fuel prices”, they added.

C+D has asked Boots for the details of this mileage rate increase.

Meanwhile, a Well Pharmacy spokesperson told C+D that the multiple is unable to comment on this occasion. Rowlands has also been approached for comment.

Fuel prices starting to fall

While fuel prices have hit a record this year, they are now starting to fall. A litre of unleaded hit an average of 191.43p on July 1, while diesel went up to 199.07p, according to RAC data.

However, the average price for a litre of unleaded was 173.97p as of yesterday (August 14), while diesel stood at 184.50p, based on prices across supermarket and independent forecourts in the UK analysed by industry group the RAC.