At the recent 'Locum Matters' online event held on June 25, 2024, members of the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) discussed critical issues facing
locum pharmacists, with a disturbing trend taking center stage: employers pressuring locum pharmacists to accept lower rates under the threat of potential pharmacy
closures.
The event, organised in response to feedback from PDA locum members, addressed a range of significant topics including training for the recent Pharmacy First
Services, respect for professional autonomy, and the need for adequate rest breaks.
However, the issue of rate pressure and pharmacy closures was a focal point.
Several locum pharmacists reported that some employers were leveraging the possibility of pharmacy closures to coerce them into working for lower pay.
This unethical practice has raised alarm within the locum community, highlighting the precarious working conditions many face.