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Pharmacists at Superdrug are to receive a three per cent pay rise from April 1 as part of the first agreement reached between the chain and the PDA Union. 

The PDAU entered into a formal recognition agreement with Superdrug in December 2025, which followed a ballot of pharmacists employed at the multiple the previous February.   

In a statement released this morning (March 18), PDAU director Paul Day and Superdrug pharmacy operations head Amit Vassa announced new terms for pharmacists at different stages of their careers. 

All eligible pharmacists in the bargaining unit – a February 2025 PDAU statement referenced a figure of “around 260” pharmacists and foundation trainees – will receive a three per cent rise to their current basic pay, and all pay bandings for their roles will go up by the same percentage. 

While the starting salary for newly qualified pharmacists will remain at £50,000 on the basis of a full-time 45-hour working week, the salary for pharmacy managers with a year’s post-registration experience will go up to £55,000 a year minimum, having previously stood at £50,000.

Pharmacy managers (PMs) who reach a year’s post-registration experience before their next pay review will see their pay go up to £55,000 per annum in the month following that anniversary. 

The annual supplement for senior pharmacy managers will rise from £1,500 to £1,750. 

“Management will also provide clarity on the process and status to all PMs of what the SPM role does and definitions of what it takes to be an SPM,” the statement revealed. 

Annual pay for foundation year trainees will rise to £30,000 annum – the same amount that Boots FY trainees will receive from April, following a February announcement. It is thought that pay for Superdrug FY trainees previously stood at around £26,500.

On training, the 2026-27 agreement states: “All mandatory training & nationally commissioned services that require training should be done in paid time. 

“Pharmacists should talk to their Line Manager (ideally within the first week of training being launched) to discuss any challenges in getting training done during their normal working time with a view to finding a solution to do so. 

“In the event training is done outside of normal working time, Pharmacists must make their manager aware, to ensure the correct overtime pay is processed. TOIL is not an option.”

Mr Day and Mr Vassa commented: “Each negotiating team thanked the other side for a positive process and a shared commitment to the success of Superdrug’s pharmacy business.  

“Both negotiation teams also thank pharmacists for their continued professional commitment and hard work looking after patients.”