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Superdrug and PDA agree 2026 pay settlement

Superdrug and the PDA have successfully concluded their first annual pay talks.

Wed 18th March 2026 PDA Union

Superdrug and the PDA have published their first joint statement after a recognition agreement was signed in December 2025:

Superdrug and the PDA Union – Joint statement #1

Following productive discussions between Superdrug and the PDA Union negotiating teams, both parties are pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached in relation to this year’s pay claim, effective from 1 April 2026.

The agreement consists of the following changes to pay and benefits:

1. Trainee Pharmacists

The annual pay for Foundation Trainee is to be increased to £30,000 per annum.

2. General pay increase

All eligible pharmacists in the bargaining unit to receive a 3.0% increase to their existing basic pay and all pay bandings for those roles to be increased by the same percentage.

3. Starting Salaries

Starting salary for newly qualified pharmacists will remain at £50K (for 45hr FTE), however salary for Pharmacy Managers with 1+ years’ post-registration experience will be increased to £55K minimum

Any Pharmacy Managers who reach 1 year’s post-registration experience before next pay review will have their pay increased to £55K pa in the month following that anniversary.

4. Senior Pharmacy Managers (SPM)

The annual supplement paid to SPMs will be increased 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.

5. Training

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.

 

This was the first pay review since the company and trade union agreed the recognition agreement.  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.

 

thumbnail of Superdrug and PDA Joint Statment 1 FINAL

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The Pharmacists' Defence Association is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England; Company No 4746656.

The Pharmacists' Defence Association is an appointed representative in respect of insurance mediation activities only of
The Pharmacy Insurance Agency Limited which is registered in England and Wales under company number 2591975
and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Register No 307063)

The PDA Union is recognised by the Certification Officer as an independent trade union.

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