EXCLUSIVE
 

 

 

In most multiples, there is constant reference to the need to complete your share of the pharmacy’s MUR target – there is not so much, if any, [pressure] in the independents.
 

I can confirm that the culture inside Boots was exactly the same or even worse than published in the Guardian. It was usually suggested that you do a minimum of two a day, or one if working part-time – although they loved it if you did more.

If, as a store manager, you failed to deliver MURs, you would not receive a pay increase and your manager’s bonus would be reduced substantially.
 

The targets were written into your contract, which you had to deliver. This constant pressure broke hundreds of very able, loyal managers, who then left the company.
 

As far as I can see, only one firm is as harsh with its MUR delivery and pay rate as Boots – and that’s [160+ branch multiple] Cohens.
 

In the locum agreement letter (below) you can feel the tone, and how it would affect a locum financially if you failed to deliver the required number of MURs.

Leaked letter to locums at Cohens Chemist - 2013

Subject: VARIATION OF TERMS OF LOCUM CONTRACT

Dear pharmacist,

I write to inform you that we have reviewed our
locum rates and propose to set them as follows:

• £21 per hour provided that you conduct two
MURs or more during the course of the day.
• £19 per hour if two MURs are not completed
during the course of the day.

This amendment is effective from April 1, 2013.

If you are booked to work in branches that do not
have a consultation room or have already completed
400 MURs for the year, you will be paid £21 per hour
automatically.

You will be paid at £19 per hour
unless you complete a locum feedback form to
report that you have completed a minimum of
two MURs.

All other terms of the locum contract you have
signed with us will remain unchanged. Unless we
hear from you to the contrary, we will assume your
acceptance.

Yours sincerely,
Cohens

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