Should UK Pharmacies go on strike?

Let's start with the basics now.

Since 2016, the UK Pharmacy sector has experienced a significant and deliberate cut in funding by the the UK government. That is facts and simply undeniable now. A sector that has had an almost 35% real terms funding reduction is no small touch by any stretch of the imagination.

Who was the architect of this all you say? Dr Keith William Ridge is his name. He was the chief pharmaceutical officer of the UK in 2016. As the CPO, Dr Ridge was responsible for providing 'expert' pharmaceutical advice to the government and the NHS, and for developing policies related to the use of medicines and pharmacy services in the UK.

There have been a number of reasons why the funding for community pharmacies in the UK has been reduced in recent years:

• Government austerity measures. The UK government has implemented a series of austerity measures in recent years, which have included cuts to healthcare spending. As part of this, the funding for community pharmacies has been reduced in order to save money.
• Changes to the funding model. In 2016, the UK government implemented changes to the way in which community pharmacies are funded. This included reducing the overall funding available to pharmacies and implementing a new payment system based on the number of prescriptions dispensed.
• Pressure to reduce prescription costs. The cost of prescription medicines in the UK has been rising in recent years, putting pressure on the NHS budget. In response, the UK government has sought to control the price of medication through various mechanisms such as; negotiating lower drug prices with manufacturers and implementing medicines 'optimisation' teams within GP surgeries/PCNs.

These factors, amongst others, have contributed to a reduction in funding for community pharmacies in the UK. However, there has been ongoing debate and discussion around the impact of these funding cuts on the provision of healthcare services and the viability of community pharmacies.

Well, the chickens have come home to roost now.

Exacerbated by the pandemic and now the cost of living crisis, pharmacies are becoming increasingly unviable to run as a business. The latest victim of this is, Lloyds Pharmacy who have recently announced that all their pharmacies are either for sale or are closing down.

Furthermore, GPs have had their new contract imposed rather than them accepting it with no additional funding being given either; this is a chilling sign of what could be around the corner for UK pharmacies.

Are strikes the only way forward for pharmacies to ensure their survival?

Pharmacy staff may go on strike for a variety of reasons, depending on their particular circumstances and concerns. Here are some of the common reasons why pharmacy staff might go on strike:

• Pay and conditions. One of the most common reasons for workers to go on strike is to demand better pay and conditions. Pharmacy staff may feel that they are not being adequately compensated for their work, or that their working conditions are not safe or conducive to their wellbeing.
• Staffing levels. Another reason for pharmacy staff to go on strike could be to highlight concerns around staffing levels. This could include concerns around understaffing, which could put pressure on workers and compromise patient safety.
• Contract terms. Pharmacy staff may go on strike to challenge aspects of their employment contract, such as the terms of their working hours, their holiday entitlement, or their pension scheme.
• Patient safety. In some cases, pharmacy staff may go on strike to highlight concerns around patient safety. This could include issues such as inadequate training or insufficient resources to provide safe and effective care to patients.
• Workplace culture. Staff may also go on strike to challenge toxic workplace culture, which could include bullying, harassment, or discrimination.

It's worth noting that strikes in the healthcare sector, including pharmacies, are generally seen as a last resort and are only used if all other options for resolving a dispute have been exhausted. The decision to go on strike should be carefully considered, taking into account the potential impacts on workers, patients, and the wider healthcare system.