Why join the PDA?
The PDA has more than 40,000 members and is the largest pharmacists’ membership organisation and the only independent trade union exclusively for pharmacists in the UK. It is also the fifth largest health professional trade union in the UK. The trade union status means the PDA can do some things that other pharmacy organisations cannot.
The PDA works to ensure pharmacists are supported at every stage of their career and given a voice. There is strength in numbers, and when a group of workers act and speak together, their employer has to listen. That’s how unions make things better in the workplace.
Some key highlights over the last year
Here is a rundown of just some of the key successes the union has had since HeartUnions Week last year.
1. PDA Union recognition secured at Superdrug with 94% of votes in support
In February 2025, the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) confirmed the results of a ballot of pharmacists and foundation trainee pharmacists employed at Superdrug. 125 Votes (94%) were in favour of the PDA Union being recognised to represent those employees at the company, just 8 votes were against.
2. PDA launches Workforce Wellbeing Strategy
In March 2025, the PDA launched a Workforce Wellbeing Strategy. The transformative initiative was designed to enhance the mental health, financial resilience, and overall wellbeing of pharmacists across the UK. The 5-year initiative will provide access to wellbeing resources, peer support networks, mental health training, financial resilience guidance, and engagement activities aimed at strengthening the workforce.
3. PDA’s work with charity partner Pharmacist Support
The PDA donates £1 per member each year to Pharmacist Support and actively encourages members to contribute when joining or renewing their membership. Thanks to this initiative, in 2025, this contribution was over £43,500. As of the end of 2025, the total donations since the start of the initiative in 2017 exceed £325,000. This funding has been vital in enabling the charity to expand its services and provide essential wellbeing support to pharmacists across the UK.
Over the last year, as well as collaborating on various training workshops, the PDA has participated in Pharmacist Support’s podcast and worked in partnership with Pharmacist Support on their Walk for Wellbeing campaign, raising awareness and funds for pharmacist mental health and wellbeing services.
4. PDA membership surpasses 40,000
In June 2025, the PDA’s membership officially surpassed 40,000, marking a significant milestone for pharmacists and the pharmacy profession. This growth reflects the increasing recognition among pharmacists, students, and trainees of the value and support the PDA provides. The PDA’s scale and independence enable it to influence employment conditions, professional standards, and policy from the workforce perspective. Members benefit from a unique combination of legal defence, indemnity insurance, trade union representation, and specialist support, making the PDA a powerful advocate for pharmacists at every stage of their career.
5. Pay settlements reached at Boots
In February 2025, Boots and the PDA Union released a joint statement to confirm that from April 2025, there would be a pay increase for trainee pharmacists in England and Northern Ireland. In September 2025, it was also announced that Boots and the PDA Union had reached an agreement to settle the 2025 pay talks for pharmacists. Both parties have a joint commitment to collaborate to ensure a rewarding future for all pharmacists at Boots. This is a great example of how unions can help to make things better at work. The settlements also highlight the critical role that pharmacists at Boots play in providing accessible healthcare to the community.
6. PDA leads on EDI and Inclusive Pharmacy Practice (IPP)
The PDA has established itself as a sector leader in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). By spearheading Inclusive Pharmacy Practice Week, the PDA has championed diversity and ensured that underrepresented voices are heard and valued. Celebrating 120 years of the NAWP Network and marking International Women’s Day, the PDA has highlighted the achievements of women in pharmacy and advocated for gender equality and leadership opportunities. The PDA’s EDI Networks, now in their fifth year, and the election of the first president of the PDA Ability Network, further demonstrate a sustained, credible commitment to inclusion and representation.
7. Supporting locum pharmacists
The PDA is a champion for all pharmacists, regardless of their employment status and has offered practical support for locum pharmacists, warning about wage theft, recovering nearly £1 million in unpaid debts, and advocating for equitable treatment. The PDA’s credibility as an advocate is further demonstrated by its direct engagement with the pharmacy minister to address urgent issues facing both employed pharmacists and locums at Jhoots pharmacies.
Danielle Hunt, Chief Executive at Pharmacist Support said, “Pharmacists are working under extraordinary pressure, and protecting wellbeing has never been more important. No one should feel they are facing those pressures alone. For many, being part of a wider professional community, such as a union, can offer reassurance, shared understanding, and support in navigating the challenges they face at work. As an independent charity, we are pleased to work in partnership with organisations such as the PDA, as collaboration across the profession helps us to better support the wellbeing of our pharmacy family and provide more joined-up, holistic support when it is needed most.”
Waqas Khan, PDA Workplace Representative said, “I am a PDA member because it gives me the confidence to practise properly. I know I can use my professional judgement, make the right decisions for my patients, and still have the reassurance that expert advice and support is there if I ever need it. That safety net matters, especially in community pharmacy, where we are often working under pressure and expected to manage increasingly complex situations.
My advice to anyone thinking about joining the PDA – it really is a no-brainer. For a small annual fee, the peace of mind alone is worth it – particularly at a time when community pharmacy funding and working conditions feel increasingly uncertain. There has never been a more important time to have strong professional backing.”
Get involved
- PDA members are encouraged to share this article with pharmacist colleagues who aren’t yet PDA members and ask them to join the PDA today.
- PDA members and reps can interact with the PDA on social media, as the PDA will be posting across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn during the week.
- PDA members can share stories on social media about how being part of a union has helped their careers by including the hashtag #HeartUnions.
- PDA members are also encouraged to share why they joined the PDA or a PDA EDI Network, or why they became a PDA Rep, on social media.
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.