Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Superdrug announces pay rise for newly qualified pharmacists

Superdrug has announced a pay increase for newly qualified pharmacists, in a move that will see wages rise to £50,000 - ensuring that Superdrug Pharmacists continue to receive the strongest renumeration package on the high street today.

Superdrug is also enhancing its patient experience and operational structure, with the introduction of a new role of Pharmacy Team Leader to selected pharmacy stores. Pharmacy Team Leaders will be dispenser trained and provide a clear line of accountability for day-to-day dispensary activity including adhering to legal and clinical frameworks whilst supporting, coaching, and developing a high-performing pharmacy team.


The role also allows Superdrug to offer a clear line of progression for talented Pharmacy Dispensers and Technicians who want to do more in their career and recognizes the valuable contribution Pharmacy Dispensers & Technicians play in community pharmacy.

In addition, the appointment of two new Heads of Pharmacy Operations sees the high street retailer driving and improving Superdrug’s pharmacy performance to offer the best possible care for patients. Craig Watt, Pharmacist and previously Area Manager, has been appointed to Head of Pharmacy Operations North and will be responsible for the operation of Superdrug’s central distribution hub serving its e-pharmacy and Online Dr team.

Whilst Amit Vassa, Pharmacist and previously Senior Healthcare Services Manager, has been appointed to Head of Pharmacy Operations South for the company’s central pharmacy support team who are responsible for improving the operating processes for Superdrug pharmacies. Both will also provide professional leadership to all Superdrug pharmacists and their teams.

It is actively recruiting for 200 roles, the retailer also moves to enhance its already industry-leading benefits, introducing a new financial wellbeing package at a time when the Cost of Living rises and more mental health support for managers, as pressures on pharmacies continues.

Caris Newson, Superdrug’s Healthcare Director said: “Our Pharmacy team members are at the core of our business, and I am delighted to announce this increase in newly qualified salary in recognition of the skill and expertise required for these roles. The last few years have been extremely challenging  for pharmacists and pharmacy teams and have also highlighted the vital and positive role that they play as clinical professionals, supporting patients and delivering safe and effective healthcare services and care within communities.”

Superdrug’s People Director, Amy Davies commented: “We are delighted to be strengthening our pharmacy offering. Craig and Amit have worked for Superdrug for many years and their passion for pharmacy and patient care alongside their great leadership, puts them in a strong position to lead and develop our pharmacy operations in the future. There's a reason Superdrug is consistently considered to be one of the best companies to work for and I’m confident we offer the strongest package, benefits, and perks to both attract and retain healthcare colleagues.”

There are currently 155 pharmacists working for Superdrug, with an average length of service of seven years.

More For You

ABPI and government fast-track VPAG scheme review to address high medicine payment rates

The 2025 VPAG payment rate for newer medicines has been set at 22.9 per cent.

Photo credit: gettyimages

Review of 2024 VPAG scheme to be completed by June

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) and the government have agreed to bring forward a planned review of the 2024 Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access, and Growth (VPAG), originally scheduled for autumn 2025.

The review is expected to be completed in June 2025, aligning with the anticipated release of the government’s 10-year NHS Plan and the Life Sciences Sector Plan as part of the broader industry strategy this summer.

Keep ReadingShow less
Majority of Brits neglect consistent skincare routine,  survey finds

On average, Brits go to bed without washing their face twice a week.

Photo credit: gettyimages

Skincare: One in five Brits go to bed without washing their face daily, survey finds

Nearly two-thirds of Brits (60 per cent) neglect a consistent skincare routine,with almost one in five going to bed without washing their face daily, according to a new survey by consumer health company Kenvue.

The UK-wide survey of 2,000 people revealed that one-third of respondents (34 per cent) spend five minutes or less on their daily skincare routine. On average, Brits go to bed without washing their face twice a week.

Keep ReadingShow less
Risk of pharmacy closures remains despite record funding uplift

Community pharmacy sector remains in a fragile position as the funding gap is still significant, says CCA.

gettyimages

Pharmacy closures still a risk as funding deal fails to cover costs – warns CCA

The community pharmacy sector has secured the largest funding uplift across the NHS, yet concerns remain that it may not be enough to prevent further closures and service reductions.

Following a six-week consultation with Community Pharmacy England (CPE), the government has approved a £3.073 billion funding package for 2025/26, supplemented by an additional £215 million to support Pharmacy First and other Primary Care Recovery Plan services.

Keep ReadingShow less
Independent Prescribing: Government aims to complete pathfinder programme evaluation by autumn 2025

Pharmacist prescribers at 210 ‘pathfinder’ sites were allowed to trial prescribing models within integrated primary care services.

Photo credit: gettyimages

Independent prescribing: Pathfinder programme evaluation to be completed by autumn, says Kinnock

Health minister Stephen Kinnock has revealed that the evaluation of the Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Pathfinder Programme could be completed by Autumn 2025.

Kinnock was responding to a question from James Naish, Labour MP for Rushcliffe, who asked what steps the minister was taking to ensure continued support for the Pathfinder Programme and independent prescribing to maximise direct prescribing capacity in England.

Keep ReadingShow less
NHS pharmacy funding not enough 2025: £3.073B deal with £1.99B gap fuels reform debate.

Funding alone isn’t going to be enough to save community pharmacy

Photo credit: gettyimages

New funding contract ‘not enough’ to release the sector from financial blackhole

After almost a year without an agreement, a new funding contract for community pharmacy was finally announced yesterday (31 March).

The settlement raises the baseline annual funding for the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) in 2025/26 to £3.073 billion, with an additional £215 million secured to continue Pharmacy First and other Primary Care Recovery Plan services.

Keep ReadingShow less