PDA offers support as Lloydspharmacy branch sale rumours persist
Pharmacists working at Lloydspharmacy have been reassured by the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) following speculation that the multiple plans to divest itself of “a number” of branches.
In a statement, the PDA claimed it had been made aware that “a number of Lloydspharmacy” branches are “currently going through the divestiture process”.
The union said it understands that “such changes of ownership will be of significant concern to individuals who are employed at the pharmacies”.
Lloydspharmacy has not explicitly confirmed whether its is divesting any branches, or how many branches are affected if this is indeed the case.
However, the PDA reassured members that where an existing business is acquired and absorbed into another, existing employees “should not see any major changes to their working arrangements because of the transfer”.
If members are concerned, they should contact the PDA service centre “in the first instance”, it added.
Read more: Lloydspharmacy may sell substantial number of branches, sources tell C+D
“It is better to contact us as questions or concerns emerge, rather than allow the situation to develop before confirming and exercising your rights at work,” the union said.
It comes after several sources told C+D in May of the multiple’s alleged plans to sell a substantial number of branches. At the time, Lloydspharmacy said “no decisions” had been made.
Lloydspharmacy: Patient safety is “top priority”
A spokesperson for Lloydspharmacy told C+D yesterday (November 22) that the multiple “regularly reviews its pharmacy estate to ensure it is operating sustainably”.
“Any decision to sell stores is taken in the interests of patients, colleagues and the business,” they added.
Patient safety “remains our top priority, ensuring our customers and patients are always able to access vital prescriptions, health advice, products and services”, they added.
Read more: McKesson completes sale of Lloydspharmacy to Aurelius Group
In April, private equity firm Aurelius Group completed a £477 million acquisition of McKesson UK, Lloydspharmacy’s parent company.
The group rebranded McKesson UK to Hallo Healthcare in September.
Lloydspharmacy revealed in its financial report for 2020/2021 that it had decided to close, merge, or sell 76 branches in 2020/21 as part of a “rationalisation programme” it started as a consequence of the “challenging” government funding model.
