The findings from the Community Pharmacy England's 2025 Pressures Survey are clear: the sector is in a state of severe financial and operational distress. With a staggering 99% of pharmacy owners identifying finances as their top concern and more than half (51%) operating at a loss, it’s a time of immense strain.
But at Locate a Locum, we believe that amidst these challenges, there's an opportunity to regain control.
The Pressures: A Vicious Cycle of Cost and Staffing
The survey highlights a vicious cycle where financial pressure leads to workforce strain, which in turn jeopardises patient care. Key findings show that:
- Wages are a top cost driver: 94% of pharmacy owners reported that increased wages were a major reason for rising costs. This pressure forces difficult decisions.
- Staffing cuts are becoming common: To stay afloat, 57% of owners have had to stop recruiting or filling vacancies. In the face of rising costs, some have had to reduce staff headcount altogether.
- Owners are overstretched: Pharmacy owners are working punishing hours—some up to 70 hours per week—without taking a salary to keep their business running.
These pressures don’t just affect the bottom line; they impact service delivery. Pharmacies have been forced to reduce opening hours, stop providing free deliveries, and even cut back on national services due to a lack of time and resources.
Our Solution: A Smart, Flexible Workforce Platform
We offer a modern, efficient way for pharmacies to manage their workforce, helping them break the vicious cycle of financial and operational strain.
- Targeted Cost Control
In an environment where every pound counts, our platform helps you manage one of your largest expenses: staffing. Rather than being locked into a high-cost permanent contract, you can use our marketplace to find qualified locums at competitive rates for the exact hours you need. This allows you to control costs, fill critical shifts, and avoid the overspend that is driving many pharmacies to operate at a loss.
- Maintaining Essential Services
When faced with staffing shortages, the first thing to be cut is often patient services. Our platform allows you to quickly and easily book cover for shifts, ensuring you have the necessary staff to maintain vital services. This means you can continue to offer patient care, from flu vaccinations to the New Medicine Service, without compromising quality or availability.
- Preventing Burnout and Ensuring Sustainability
The survey shows the enormous personal toll on pharmacy owners who are sacrificing their own well-being to keep their businesses afloat. By using a flexible staffing platform, owners can find the support they need to step away from the business, take a much-needed break, and avoid the risk of burnout. This not only benefits the owner but also ensures the long-term sustainability of the pharmacy for the community it serves.
Ready for the Future
The 2025 Pressures Survey is a call to action. While systemic changes are needed, pharmacies can take control by adopting innovative solutions to manage their day-to-day operations. Locate a Locum is more than just a booking platform; we are a partner in helping pharmacies survive and thrive. By offering a flexible, cost-effective way to manage your workforce, we empower you to navigate these difficult times and focus on what truly matters: your patients and your community.
Ready to take control of your workforce and costs?
Book a Demo with Locate a Locum Today