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Prime minister Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday (January 19) that restrictions re-imposed in England last month would be lifted by from next Thursday (January 27). In the latest development, the government has decided to end the guidance on working from home, asking employers to make adequate arrangements to return safely to work. From the start of next Thursday, mandatory certification based on vaccines and tests will end, however, organisations can still choose to use the NHS Covid Pass voluntarily. Besides, the legal mandate to wear face masks will go away from next week. Making a statement to the House of Commons on Covid-19, he said that infection levels are falling in England mainly because of the country's "extraordinary booster campaign". He noted more than 36 million Covid-19 booster jabs had been delivered, with over 90 percent of over-60s now given a third dose. "Our scientists believe it is likely that the Omicron wave has now peaked nationally," Johnson added, while cautioning "the pandemic is not over". "I encourage everyone across the country to continue with all the cautious behaviours that we know help to keep each everybody safe."

Following concerns raised by the competition watchdog, UK PCR testing provider Randox has improved its terms on cancellations, refunds and liability. The development is part of the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) ongoing engagement in the PCR tests sector. The CMA has also sent letters to 25 PCR providers, warning them to review their terms and conditions or risk facing enforcement action. It currently has formal investigations open into two PCR providers, Expert Medicals and Dante Labs. Randox, one of the largest providers in the sector, has reviewed its its terms and conditions and changed them to: Give clearer information to customers, in particular on when it will provide PCR tests and resultsImprove notification of customers' legal rights on cancellations and refunds Remove terms that could suggest customers aren't entitled to compensation if things go wrong

The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has advised its member to check their understanding of what activities can legitimately take place when no RP is signed in at the pharmacy or the absence provisions are used. The advisory to its member was followed after noticing a considerable talk on social media about compliance with the Responsible Pharmacist (RP) regulations which also included unauthorised activity occurring when no RP is signed in. "There have been comments made that some pharmacists and pharmacy team members may fear repercussions from challenging or whistle-blowing about such behaviour," PDA said. "To assist members with the interpretation of the RP regulations, the PDA has made available a legal briefing note about the RP regulations produced by a specialist pharmacy regulation law firm." It further added: "Non-compliance with the regulations by pharmacy teams should be reported to the pharmacy superintendent."

The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) is playing a vital role in helping pharmacists who are dealing with stress at the workplace. It launched its new awareness factsheet 'It's Time to Address Stress' last week. The factsheet looks at the causes and symptoms of stress in the workplace and provides advice on ways pharmacists can access support and improve working conditions. The association said that it recognises the well-being services offered by employers and specialist charities such as the PDA's charity partner Pharmacist Support play an important part in helping pharmacists who may be experiencing stress. However, the PDA is also committed to working with members to challenge employers to provide well workplaces and to help them to make real impact changes. This can be done by addressing the causes of stress and fulfilling their responsibilities to their employees. It added: "Under the management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers are required by law to protect employees from harm. Their legal obligations include identifying hazards and risks and implementing ways to reduce or eliminate them. The PDA's new factsheet highlights the importance of employers recognising the hazards causing stress as the health and safety issues they are."

Turning 21 is a significant milestone in a person's life, marking the transition into full-fledged adulthood. It's the age when responsibilities and possibilities both expand, opening the door to a world of new experiences and opportunities. Now that you've reached this exciting age, you're likely wondering what unique and exciting things you can do. Luckily for you, the list is extensive and varied. From exploring the world of wines to finding your own path in the professional world, let's dive into this thrilling journey of discovery together. Whether you're an adventurous spirit or a contemplative soul, there's something here for everyone. So buckle up, as we unfold the multitude of options that await you now that you're 21! Venturing into the World of Wines For many, turning 21 means being able to legally drink alcohol. If you're a wine enthusiast, then you'll be thrilled to know that there are several ways to explore the world of wines. You can take a trip to a local vineyard and sample different varieties or join a wine club for exclusive access to rare bottles and sommelier-led tastings. You can also visit a winery and go on guided tours and pairings to learn more about the production process. No matter which route you choose, you're sure to gain an appreciation for this age-old beverage and its many nuances. Many cities and towns offer wine festivals throughout the year, where you can sample different wines and mingle with fellow enthusiasts. If you're feeling particularly ambitious, you can even take a viticulture class to learn more about how grapes are cultivated and what qualities make up a good bottle of wine.

Nearly 70 years ago the UK Government recognised the imbalance of power between commercial landlords and tenants and passed the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (the Act), giving most commercial tenants a right of security of tenure. What is security of tenure? The Act grants tenants of business premises (so this would include pharmacy tenants) the right when the fixed term of their lease has ended to remain in occupation of the premises and the right to apply for the grant of a new lease. The landlord can only object to the grant of the new lease of the premises to the tenant, and therefore regain possession of the property on certain grounds set out in the Act. The parties to a lease can contract outside the provisions of the Act and where this is the case, a tenant would not have security of tenure. Most landlords will insist on no security of tenure where a lease is granted for a short term. As pharmacy leases have tended to be granted for longer terms (usually between 10 and 15 years) pharmacy tenants often have security of tenure. The Act sets out strict procedures which need to be followed to both contract outside the provisions of security of tenure and also to exercise the security of tenure rights granted by the Act. Pharmacists should take legal advice before agreeing to a pharmacy lease being excluded from the Act, and also at the end of their lease term whether or not they have security of tenure. If the lease is contracted outside of the Act, advice should be sought on agreeing new lease terms, if the pharmacist wishes to remain, as there will be no right to do so beyond the end of the lease term. If the lease is protected by the security of tenure provisions of the Act, advice should still be sought, as the Act prescribes a formal notice procedure that both the landlord and tenant must adhere to, before a new lease can be granted.

The British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA) has sought a judicial review of the Department of Health and Social Care's (DHSC) decision to negotiate a new Voluntary Scheme for branded medicines with the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). Mark Samuels, Chief Executive of BGMA said: "The Government has decided not to involve the trade body representing these medicine suppliers in its negotiations on the voluntary scheme for branded medicine pricing (VPAS). "We are deeply concerned by this decision. It has left us no choice but to take legal action." "While not all generic drugs fall within VPAS, four out of ten products in the current scheme are branded generics or biosimilars. As the representative trade body for both generic and biosimilar UK manufacturers, we must play a full part in the VPAS negotiations for the next period of the scheme from 2024 to 2028." "The VPAS tax has risen five-fold in under two years, an unprecedented tax increase. Yet our sector currently has no input into the negotiations on future schemes or rates; this is untenable as any decisions made on VPAS could significantly define the future of our sector in the UK and its ability to supply the NHS. The association had raised its full participation in the negotiations with the Government last November.

Shares in GSK, Sanofi, Haleon and Pfizer began to recover on Friday (Aug 12) after the companies said that nothing material had changed regarding US litigation focused on heartburn drug Zantac. The companies' share prices had fallen sharply last week on investor concern about the litigation over potential cancer-causing impurities that prompted the drug's withdrawal from markets in 2019 and 2020. More than 2,000 Zantac-related legal cases have been filed in the United States, analysts say, with the first trial beginning this month. The prospect of impending Zantac litigation is not new. Among other disclosures, recently listed Haleon had highlighted the risk of such lawsuits in its prospectus. GSK, Sanofi, Pfizer and Haleon have lost a combined $39 billion from their market value over the past week in the absence of any other particular catalyst, according to Barclays analysts.

Mental health issues are very common, and one in four people will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime. Unfortunately, many people do not seek treatment because they are embarrassed or ashamed. However, there is no need to be ashamed - mental health problems are just like any other medical condition. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. In this blog post, we will discuss the top ways medications can help in treating mental health issues. We will also dispel some of the myths about mental health medications. MENTAL HEALTH MEDICATIONS CAN REDUCE ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION Mental health medications can be very effective in treating mental illness. In fact, they can be just as effective as medications for physical health conditions. Mental health medications can help to reduce symptoms, improve functioning, and prevent relapses. They are also legal psychedelic medicine that have been shown to be helpful in treating mental illness. For example, ketamine has been shown to be effective in treating depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some people worry that taking mental health medication will make them feel like a different person. However, this is not the case. Mental health medications can help you to feel like yourself again. They can also help you to function better in your everyday life.

Businesses, including community pharmacies, that handle cash have been urged to prepare for the removal of £20 and £50 paper banknotes from circulation. The paper notes of both denominations will no longer be legal tender from Friday 30 September. Cash handling experts Volumatic reminded businesses to make sure that they deposit any paper notes at banks by this date, and ensure they would not be accepting any further paper notes from customers from 1 October onwards. "While businesses continue to face extra demands during the current cost-of living crisis, we've already seen evidence of an uplift in cash usage by consumers, who are now using cash more to help them budget more effectively," Mike Severs, Sales and Marketing Director at Volumatic, said. "With more consumers looking to spend their old paper notes before the end-of-September deadline, it's really important to remember to deposit any paper notes you either already have within your business or receive throughout this month to your bank before the end of September."

Medical malpractice is a serious issue, and if you are ever a victim of it, you need to know what to do. More often than not, people do not even know that they are victims of medical malpractice until it is too late. This blog post will discuss six important things that you need to know about medical malpractice. Read on to learn more. IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE First and foremost, medical malpractice can happen to anyone. It does not discriminate based on age, gender, or race. If you have been a victim of medical negligence, then you need to take action. However, many people do not even know that they are victims of medical malpractice until it is too late. This is because the symptoms of medical malpractice can often mimic other conditions or diseases. As such, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of medical malpractice so that you can take action as soon as possible. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of medical malpractice include sudden and unexpected death, severe or permanent injuries, disfigurement, as well as loss of limb. If you or a loved one have experienced any of these symptoms, then it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer will be able to help you investigate your case and determine if you have a valid claim. In this case, take the time to explore online sources where you may come across the websites of some of the most reputable lawyers. This is where you will have the chance to learn about medical malpractice and what you can do to take action. Rest assured that with the help of a competent lawyer, you will be able to get the justice and compensation that you deserve.

An alliance of companies has pledged to ensure equitable access to vaccines and treatments for pandemics, as the friction around intellectual property rights for Covid-19 interventions between the pharmaceutical industry and developing nations endures. At the heart of the plan is a commitment to set aside part of the production of vaccines and treatments upfront for vulnerable populations in low-income countries when the next pandemic arises, given how fragmented access to Covid tools has left many populations unprotected. In order to do better next time - and without knowing which companies will develop the first drugs and vaccines for the next pandemic - having the industry collectively make this commitment is potentially transformative, said Thomas Cueni, head of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA). The pledge, called the Berlin Declaration, was made on July 19 by members of the global pharmaceutical industry group that include many of the companies involved in developing Covid interventions, such as AstraZeneca, GSK, Moderna, Pfizer and Merck. The declaration is not legally binding. However, if a company that signed on reneges on its vow, it would face grave consequences in the court of public opinion, said Cueni.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have added five more medicines that cannot be hoarded or exported from the UK market. The government has taken the following action to address the "critical shortage" of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs. In a crucial development on October 9, this strategic move aims to enable wholesalers to fulfil their legal obligation to supply these essential medicines to patients across the UK. The updated list of drugs incorporated "all" available strengths and pharmaceutical formulations, ensuring comprehensive coverage for patients' medical needs.

At the Conservative Party Conference, PM Rishi Sunak pledged to raise the legal age every year to buy from those who were born in 2009. The proposed changes also encompass heated tobacco products, recognized as smoke-free alternatives that heat, not burn, tobacco to produce a distinct nicotine-containing aerosol compared to traditional cigarette smoke. The following move in a bid to "try and stop teenagers taking up cigarettes in the first place", and bring in restrictions to stop young people from vaping. PM Rishi Sunak spoke at the conference, "Last week I promised to create the first smoke-free generation and I am wasting no time to deliver on that promise.

The UK government's proposal to introduce a tobacco and vapes bill received support from the public to create the first 'smokefree generation'. The historic law to ban the sale of tobacco products to children aged 14 and younger from legally being sold cigarettes in England. King Charles delivered his first speech as monarch at the state opening of Parliament on Tuesday, 7 November. The monarch announced the introduction of the "tobacco and vapes bill" in his speech, and it read: "My Government will introduce legislation to create a smoke-free generation by restricting the sale of tobacco so that children currently aged 14 or younger can never be sold cigarettes, and restricting the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes to children."

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has said that it strongly supports the UK government's proposal that individuals born on or after 1 January 2009 should be prohibited from legally purchasing tobacco products. It has also shown its agreement to several other actions proposed by the Department of Health and Social Care's (DHSC) for 'Creating a Smokefree Generation and Tackling Youth Vaping' including: The inclusion of all tobacco products, cigarette papers, and herbal smoking products in the new legislation. Restrictions on the sale and supply of disposable vapes, and vape flavours. RPS President, Professor Claire Anderson, said: "Our recommendations reflect a commitment to creating a future free from the harms of tobacco and youth vaping. It's crucial to prohibit access for the youngest generation, regulate all tobacco-related items, and address the allure of flavoured e-cigarettes."

Members of the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) who have benefits in the Boots Pension Scheme have sought support from their union following the recent communications from the trustees about the removal of the option to retire at 60 without a reduced pension. The company claimed that retirement between 60-65 years old without a reduced pension was a discretionary benefit, and it has ended with the buy-in deal with Legal and General. However, PDA members believe there is insufficient evidence to fully support this claim, and therefore they are questioning whether this option should have been secured as part of the buy in and not ended with immediate effect. PDA Union national officer, Paul Moloney said: "Instead, we believe benefit statements issued to members, at the very least are contradictory, and clearly state that a full pension will be payable from a member's 60th birthday, with no reference to this benefit being discretionary and therefore subject to a regular review by the trustees. Instead, the benefit statements give the impression that an unreduced pension from 60 is a right with no indication that retirement plans should not be based on the benefit statements."

The Pharmacists' Defence Association has helped its members to secure around £196,000 last year from employers who treated pharmacists badly or breached their rights in some way. The association strives to help members to resolve workplace disputes quickly, locally, and amicably, however some cases need escalation into the legal system, it said. It helps pharmacists to understand and exercise their rights in case unfair treatment occurs to them. Though no employee expects to be treated badly, this is the reality for some pharmacists, the PDA stated.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has called its member to to express their views and fill out the Department of Health and Social Care's hub and spoke survey on the proposed model of dispensing. The Society has urged its members to fill out the survey before May 20. RPS president Claire Anderson said: "It is vital that RPS members have their say on issue that impact you in your roles. Currently only single legal entities can make use of this model of dispensing. "Our survey, which opened today, seeks your views and comments and will help to inform the RPS submission to this consultation." The consultation on the proposals to enable all community pharmacies to access hub and spoke dispensing published by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) will run for three months and will close on June 8, 2022.

The pharmacy regulator can hold hearings and meetings either remotely or in-person in future as the Council of the GPhC has agreed to a change in its rules. The rules are expected to come into force on 1 October 2022. Until the rules and new policy and guidance come into force, the GPhC will continue to only hold remote hearings with the consent of the person concerned and/or their legal representative. Following positive feedback from those taking part in remote hearings, the GPhC consulted on a proposed permanent change to its rules so it could continue to hold hearings remotely in the future, when it is fair and appropriate to do so. The proposal to continue remote hearings, including fitness to practise hearings, received wide support with 78 per cent of respondents agreeing. "During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and restrictions we had to hold many meetings and hearings remotely by videolink. As such we were granted - along with other regulators - a temporary provision to enable us to do this and carry out our statutory role," Duncan Rudkin, chief executive of the GPHC, said.