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Boots and the PDA Union have agreed a four per cent pay increase for all eligible pharmacists at the multiple for the second year running. 

The 2025-26 pay deal, which was announced yesterday (September 30) and will take effect from November 1, will see pharmacist managers at ‘large’ Boots branches earn a minimum of £65,000 per year – provided they have been “substantively appointed” and are rated as “performing”.  

Pharmacists managing medium-sized stores will earn £60,000 and those managing small stores £57,200, with the same provisos. 

This is intended to “recognise the unique role of pharmacist stores managers at Boots and to support those pursuing broader leadership career pathways,” said the company and the PDAU in a joint statement.

And any pharmacists with over 10 years under their belts at the multiple who earn less than £55,650 FTE after the four per cent increase has been applied “will have a further increase to bring them up to this minimum”.  

Meanwhile, designated prescribing practitioners (DPPs) will earn £300 for each independent prescriber they supervise after the IP has been signed off as meeting all regulatory and professional criteria to practise. 

IP-qualified pharmacists will earn a minimum of £46,240 FTE per annum, while pharmacists who have completed their first year at Boots will earn a minimum of £43,250. 

‘Short notice’ payments for pharmacists taking on unplanned shifts will rise from £100 to £120, with plans to develop a set of principles around ‘reasonable travel’ to be created “to support consistency across the business”.

The PDAU and Boots said jointly: “The settlement highlights the critical role that pharmacists at Boots play in providing accessible healthcare to the community. 

“Their contributions are deeply appreciated by both Boots and the PDAU who have a joint commitment to ensure a rewarding future for all pharmacists at Boots. 

“Both negotiation teams thank pharmacists for their continued commitment to looking after patients and communities.” 

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