The Pharmacy Forecast 2025 provides insightful reflection as to the current state of the Pharmacy sector within the United Kingdom. As anticipated, there are positive and negative factors within the forecast that will inevitably shape the future of the profession and with that the job roles / responsibilities of those Pharmacists currently employed within the community setting.

As such, we thought it would be interesting to provide our critical slant on matters and suggest alternative pathways for Pharmacists should they wish to move away from working within the community sector.

Positive Points within the Pharmacy Forecast 2025:

Market Stability and Growth: Following the liquidation of Lloyds Pharmacy in early 2023, the market regained stability by the end of 2024. This has created opportunities for new buyers and existing businesses to expand by acquiring former Lloyds Pharmacy outlets.
Funding Uplifts: In Scotland, the Government secured a 6% funding uplift for the sector in the 2024-25 funding package. This includes a guaranteed minimum for Drug Tariff reimbursement set at £110 million, which is £10 million higher than the previous year.
Technological Advancements: The sector is seeing increased adoption of digital solutions and technological advancements, such as robotics and online pharmacies, which are improving efficiency and accessibility.
Government Support: The UK Government has shown a more positive stance towards the pharmacy sector, with plans to strengthen government guarantee schemes to help improve access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the sector.

Negative Points within the Pharmacy Forecast 2025:

Economic Pressures: The sector continues to face economic pressures, including increasing overheads and fluctuating drug prices, which impact profit margins.
Operational Costs: The average pharmacy now dispenses significantly more items each month, adding to the workload and operational costs.
Staffing Challenges: Staffing issues and low team morale remain significant challenges. The liquidation of Lloyds Pharmacy and the divestment of the Boots estate have worsened these issues, leading to a decline in available pharmacies and increased workload for remaining staff.
Regulatory Changes: The Labour Government's autumn Budget introduced tax rises, including an increase in employer National Insurance contributions. While the NHS is exempt, it is unclear if this exemption will extend to community pharmacies, GP practices, and care homes.

Influence on Pharmacists

Naturally, the recent shift in the profile of community pharmacy will have a significant impact on Pharmacists and make many think about alternative career pathways. In brief, the negative attributes highlighted in the Pharmacy Forecast 2025 can impact Pharmacists in the following ways:

Job Security: The closure of pharmacies and economic pressures may lead to job losses and reduced job security for Pharmacists.
Workload: With fewer pharmacies, the workload for remaining Pharmacists increases, potentially leading to burnout and decreased job satisfaction.
Financial Strain: Economic pressures can affect salaries and benefits, making it challenging for Pharmacists to maintain their financial stability.

Career Change Opportunities

Given these challenges, Pharmacists might consider career changes to improve their professional and personal lives; and we can help with this here at www.pharmascholar.co.uk

We can support Pharmacists with the following, for example:

Healthcare Technology: Transitioning to roles in healthcare technology (e.g. digital health or telemedicine) can offer new opportunities and leverage expertise in a growing field.
The Pharmaceutical Industry: Pharmacists can explore roles in the pharmaceutical industry (e.g. regulatory affairs, and medical sales), which often offer better job security and financial rewards.
Education and Training: Pursuing careers in education and training can allow Pharmacists to share their knowledge and experience while enjoying a more stable and rewarding work environment.
Consultancy: Becoming a healthcare consultant can provide flexibility and the chance to work on diverse projects, helping organisations navigate the evolving healthcare landscape.

By considering these career changes, Pharmacists can find new pathways that offer stability, growth and satisfaction in the face of the challenges highlighted in the Pharmacy Forecast 2025.

Please get in touch with our Lead Tutor, Dr Mike Davies, today to book your bespoke career development appointment(s).