New Blog ANPA Steps Back from Collective Action as New Funding Boosts Pharmacy Sector

At Clarity Locums, we are committed to keeping you updated with the latest developments across the pharmacy landscape, news that impacts both locum pharmacists and permanent staff alike. A significant announcement has just been made by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA): they will not recommend collective action that could have restricted pharmacy services across the UK.

This decision comes in the wake of the new two-year pharmacy contract, unveiled in March 2025, which brings a much-needed funding increase of over £600 million for the community pharmacy sector. Alongside this, the government has agreed to write off £193 million in historic margin overspend, a move seen as a significant financial reset for many operators.

Just weeks ago, the NPA had been poised to advise its members to limit services and reduce opening hours from 1 April 2025 if urgent funding wasn't secured. Such collective action would have marked a historic first in the organisation’s 104-year history. Thankfully, following "careful deliberation," the NPA leadership, including Chair Nick Kaye, has concluded that the latest funding offer represents a clear step forward, although challenges remain.

While welcoming the investment, the first real-terms uplift since 2014,the NPA stresses that serious funding gaps persist, with an estimated £2.5 billion shortfall still facing the sector, according to NHS England’s independent analysis. Some pharmacies may still have difficult choices ahead to ensure they can continue to serve their communities.

Nick Kaye reflected on the situation by stating:

“After much careful deliberation, we have decided not to recommend our members take collective action in light of this offer, which we hope can act as a turning point after many years of neglect.”

Pharmacy minister Stephen Kinnock echoed this positive outlook, describing the funding announcement as “good news for patients around the country” and highlighting the government's ambition to embed pharmacy more deeply into the fabric of primary care through its Plan for Change.

What This Means for Locums

For locum pharmacists, this development is highly significant. Fewer service restrictions and continued opening hours mean more consistent work opportunities across community pharmacies. However, the ongoing financial pressures suggest that flexibility and adaptability will remain crucial, as some operators may still need to make operational adjustments in the months ahead.

At Clarity Locums, we are optimistic about the renewed focus on pharmacy within primary care reform. As ever, we are here to support you with opportunities, advice, and updates as the sector navigates this evolving landscape.