Nick Kaye, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), has criticized the government's delays in negotiations, which hinder pharmacies' ability to invest in services and create uncertainty about their futures.

The previous five-year community pharmacy contract expired in 2024, and the lack of a new agreement is significantly impacting the financial viability of pharmacies.

Pharmacists have been operating without a contract for nearly 300 days, and the Labour party has yet to initiate discussions for the current financial year.

Approximately 90-95% of a community pharmacy's income is derived from NHS services, but funding has decreased by 40% in real terms over the last decade, leading to 700 closures in just two years.

The NPA, which represents 6,000 independent pharmacies, reports that 99% of its members are willing to withdraw services until their funding crisis is adequately addressed.

Sukhi Basra, a pharmacy owner in London, has voiced her frustrations about feeling unsupported by the government, despite the commitment of pharmacists to serve their communities.

Kaye emphasized that the government's prioritization of contracts for GPs over pharmacies has exacerbated the situation, urging for immediate negotiations to restore funding security.

Ashley Cohen, a pharmacy owner from Leeds, has expressed the severe financial strain on his business, revealing he had to borrow £125,000 to stay afloat amid rising National Insurance contributions and increases in the National Living Wage.

In response to the ongoing contract negotiations with the NHS, pharmacists across the UK are planning collective actions, including reducing their operating hours.