• Boots pay update: differences over pay referred to ACAS
• Flu vaccines
• One year on we celebrate your PDA Reps Network in Boots
• PDA Reps and Boots Managers develop factsheet to mark World Menopause Day 2020
• PDA launch Member Voice
• Reps in-depth
• Share our Boots new starter booklet and other useful PDA joining materials

Boots pay update: differences over pay referred to ACAS

Here, PDA Union National Officer and Chair of the negotiating committee, Paul Moloney, updates you on the latest developments.

Lengthy and detailed negotiations have so far not been able to resolve differences we have with Boots on this years pay increase. You will already be aware that we had originally submitted a claim for a 4.5% increase in pay which included an element to reflect the work Boots pharmacists have undertaken to protect the public during the pandemic.

In response, the company have proposed a pay freeze, which is very disappointing. Nevertheless, the union’s negotiating team put forward alternative suggestions, including a one-off lump sum payment of £1,000 to be paid on 1 November with a review of the proposed pay freeze in January to assess the evidence for an increase in pay from 1 April 2021.

This was designed to recognise the issues raised by the company in the pay talks, and demonstrate that the negotiating team was prepared to “think outside the box” to reach an agreement that still provides some reward for the commitment and professionalism shown by members who have been on the frontline in the fight against COVID-19.

Unfortunately, the company would not agree to this and we have therefore referred the matter to ACAS, the publicly funded independent body whose remit includes resolving industrial disputes.

The recognition agreement secured with Boots last year provides for ACAS to be invited to assist in situations like this so we hope this is seen as a positive step by the company.
There are no guarantees that ACAS will be able to assist us in finding an agreement on pay, but it is important that we use all the stages of the procedure set out in the agreement.

We remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached and that the company rethink their current strategy of rewarding only its shareholders and not those at the frontline in the ongoing fight to keep the public healthy and safe.

The ACAS stage is likely to take some weeks. We will update you as soon as there are any developments.

Flu vaccines

The PDA Union and our reps have had a number of emails from pharmacists expressing their views about the operation of the flu service this season and the main theme is surrounding three key issues: 

• Providing the service safely
• Getting second pharmacist cover
• Managing the current workload

With the flu season well underway, it is vital that you look after yourselves and your colleagues so that you can better serve patients and customers. Managing your workload is essential to looking after your own mental health and wellbeing, and ensuring that you can carry on running the pharmacy safely, whilst staying on top of day-to-day tasks during busy periods.

Your manager should now have carried out an individual risk assessment. If not we encourage you to speak with them as a priority. If your store has a significant number of flu bookings, we encourage pharmacists to be pro-active and request additional cover. This will ensure that you manage your workload and avoid burnout.

We would ask that you remember that you are the Responsible Pharmacist; you are in control and must exercise your professional judgement to ensure a safe service for patients. Manage your appointment diary and block out where you feel necessary.

If you come under any pressure or feel your professional decision is not being respected, please ensure you are a member of the PDA and we can support you using our resources, tools and guidance.

One year on we celebrate your PDA Reps Network in Boots

PDA Reps and Boots Managers develop factsheet to mark World Menopause Day 2020

Reps in-depth

We have trained union reps that are here to listen, support and represent our members that work at Boots. Find out how Richard Evans, one of your PDA Union Reps, has found the experience so far.  

PDA launch Member Voice 

We have created the Member Voice section of the website so that PDA members can share their thoughts and experiences on the issues that matter to them. If you would like to share your views with us and be featured on the website, email Collette Bradford, Head of Organising & Engagement, on enquiries@the-pda.org.

Member items which are more personal can be completely anonymous, like the Living and working with autism post that published last month. Including a picture is also optional.

Share our Boots new starter booklet and other useful PDA joining materials