PHARMACY Trade Union Representation Bid Fails


A trade union has failed in its attempt to gain formal recognition at two branches of one of Scotland’s largest pharmacy chains, following a ruling by the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC).


In a decision published on 30th March, the CAC confirmed that GMB Scotland is not entitled to be recognised at Lindsay & Gilmour pharmacies on Elm Row and Leith Walk in Edinburgh.


The CAC ruling followed a postal ballot of eligible staff in March, which saw a notably low turnout. Of the 12 workers eligible to vote, only three returned ballot papers. All three votes were in favour of union recognition, with none opposed.


GPhC Fees to Increase


The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has confirmed that renewal fees for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy premises will rise by 6% in the 2026-27 financial year.


The decision was approved at a council meeting held in March, finalising plans that were first outlined during a consultation in early 2025.


From September 2026, annual renewal fees will increase to:


• £310 for pharmacists (up £17) • £146 for pharmacy technicians (up £8) • £441 for pharmacy premises (up £25)


The move forms part of the regulator’s first multi year fee arrangement, following an initial 6% increase implemented in September 2025.


The GPhC said the increase was necessary in response to a significant rise in regulatory activity. Concerns raised by the public have increased by 77% since 2023-24, while pharmacy inspection activity has risen by 60% over the same period.


The regulator warned that failing to introduce the planned increase would “extend the deficits we have experienced in recent years and undermine our ability to regulate effectively”.


It added that while efforts are being made to reduce costs, operational pressures including rising utility bills and employment costs continue to impact its finances.


Rob, is a Consultant Nephrologist, based at the Raigmore Hospital, Inverness and, until recently, was chair of the SMC’s New Drugs Committee.


As chair of the SMC, Rob will lead national advice on the clinical and cost effectiveness of all new medicines for NHS Scotland. SMC’s aim is to ensure that people in Scotland have timely access to medicines that provide the most benefit based on evidence and cost.


Rob said: “It is an immense privilege to be the next Chair of the Scottish Medicines Consortium, an organisation that is rightly recognised around the world. I have big boots to fill, but I know that I will be supported by a fantastic team when facing the challenges that come with a role like this.”


Binge Drinking on the Up


The number of generation z adults who are binge drinking or taking illegal drugs is on the up, according to a new study by the University College London.


The research found 68% of young adults aged 23 reported binge drinking in the past year, an increase from 53% when the same participants were aged 17.


The study also found that rates of frequent binge drinking, defined as consuming six or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting, tripled in the same period from 10% reporting doing so once a month or more at age 17 to 29% when they were 23.


Regular binge drinking was more common among 23-year-olds in Scotland (37%) and Northern Ireland (35%) than in England (28%) and Wales (26%).


Those behind the study said their findings highlight the need for “sustained policy attention to substance use and addictive behaviours in young adults”.


Keep up to date with the latest Scottish Community Pharmacy news at scotpharm.com and watch out for more in-depth articles on some of these topics in future editions of the magazine.


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Rob succeeds Professor Scott Muir in the role, with Scott having served his three year term. He took up his new post on 1 April 2026.


Despite unanimous support among those who participated, the CAC found that the result fell short of the legal threshold required. The three supporting votes represented just 25% of the total bargaining unit.


Under current trade union legislation, at least 40% of the bargaining unit must vote in favour for recognition to be granted.


NEWS


In case you missed it on the Scottish Pharmacy website, here is a round-up of what has been happening within the Scottish pharmacy sector as well as what’s coming up.


New Chair of Scottish Medicines Consortium


Healthcare Improvement Scotland has appointed Dr Robert Peel as the new Chair of the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC).


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