As part of the multiple's attempts to prevent closures, the preparation of medicine trays "will be moved from branches into a central location…to help free-up time in the pharmacy", it confirmed to C+D yesterday (April 24).

"As trays are labour-intensive, it will be necessary to re-look at the staff levels in branches," it added.

Rowlands said it will "allocate hours" to branches to ensure "consistent" staffing levels across "every" one of its more than 500 branches across the UK.

Funding cuts "sole" reason behind decision

The multiple said it had been "forced to look at alternative ways" of operating, as a result of the funding cuts in England.

"If we do not look at our cost levels, we may be forced to close pharmacies," Rowlands stressed.

The "course of action" is "regrettable", but "delivering excellent patient care" remains Rowlands' priority, it said.

Rowlands told C+D it is unable to comment on how the changes will affect individual branches.