Pharmacists remain fiercely opposed to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's revised retention fees structure, according to a C+D straw poll.

The RPSGB's move to drop the increase in retention fees from 50 to 40 per cent had failed to win over the profession, early feedback indicated.

James Powell, owner of Medicine Man mobile pharmacy, said: 'If pharmacists thought they were getting value for money they would be happy to pay it but I don't think any of us believe that we are.'

Others, although not happy, think the increase is sustainable. Remesh Raghubeer of St Clare Chemists, Croydon, said: 'It's a massive increase. I think everybody will be able to pay quite comfortably but they'll resent the rise.'

John Murphy, of the Pharmacists' Defence Association, fears the increase will hit part-time pharmacists working fewer than 10 hours a week. Mr Murphy said: 'The Society is penalising a key group who support the labour shortages at crucial times of the year.'

Opposition also extended to Scotland. A Glasgow pharmacist, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'It doesn't really matter if it's 40 per cent or 50 per cent. It's still a ridiculous amount of money.