A coronavirus antibody test is currently undergoing ‘ease of use trials’ to determine whether it can be used by the general public.

It is “legitimate and appropriate” for the GPhC to take action over 'retail issues' chief executive Duncan Rudkin has claimed.

The pre-registration year for trainee pharmacists could be scrapped and replaced with a ‘one-year foundation programme’ as early as next summer.

The GPhC is to increase its premises renewal fees by £103 from next April, despite two-thirds of consultation respondents opposing the plans. 

Pharmacists are being urged not to offer Covid-19 antibody tests out of fears that individuals who test positive may assume they are immune.

The GPhC saw its income increase slightly over the last 12 months according to its latest financial report.

The GPhC says protected characteristics will stay in papers handed to its investigating committee if they provide “essential” context.

The GPhC will trial a system aimed at ensuring its regulation is fair and unhindered by unconscious bias.

The GPhC is prepared to investigate employers who fail to carry out covid-19 risk assessments, chief executive Duncan Rudkin has said.

The High Court has refused an application to extend a suspension order against two pharmacists accused of illegally supplying controlled drugs.

The PDA says it is still concerned the GPhC does not have “adequate powers” to regulate pharmacy owners.

Anyone with a renewal deadline between September 1 and December 31 this year will only be required to submit a reflective account.

The CMA has launched investigations into four retailers, including pharmacies, suspected of charging “excessive and unfair prices”.

Employers must carry out Covid-19 risk assessments for all staff in at-risk groups within the next few weeks, NHS England & Improvement has said.

GPhC reminds pharmacy owners that they have a responsibility to identify and manage risks

The GPhC saw a 40 per cent increase in concerns being raised around pharmacist and pharmacy technicians in April compared to the previous month.

Pharmacy owners should carry out risk assessments and review their business continuity plans to prevent closures, says the GPhC.

The GPhC has said that as long as appropriate safeguards are in place to support provisionally registered pharmacists there is “no need” to restrict the scope of their role.

Pre-reg graduates must still sit online registration assessment at the first opportunity

Just over half of pharmacists on the General Pharmaceutical Council’s temporary register are unsure whether they wish to return to pharmacy during the Covid-19 crisis.