Superdrug
Pharmacists are among health and social care staff in Wales set to receive a bonus payment in recognition of their “extraordinary contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic”, the Welsh government has said.
In a statement published on 17 March 2021, the Welsh government said that the one-off payment would be equivalent to £735 per person and that, after deductions, most staff will receive £500.
The Welsh government added that it was currently working with local authorities and trade unions to finalise details of the scheme.
Vaughan Gething, minister for health and social services, said the payment “expresses our gratitude to our NHS and social care workforce for their extraordinary contribution in keeping Wales safe”.
Elen Jones, director for Wales at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said the Society was “incredibly proud of the pharmacy profession, who have adapted services, remained accessible and worked tirelessly during the pandemic to ensure patients and the public receive high quality care”.
“Today’s announcement that a special bonus for health and social care staff across Wales will include pharmacy teams is welcomed,” she said. “It is important that the dedication of hard working staff is acknowledged in delivering vital services across Wales during these testing times.”
The news of the bonus comes one day after community pharmacies in Wales were told that the sector would receive an additional £3.5m to cover costs incurred from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Scottish government announced in December 2020 that pharmacy services staff in Scotland would be included among health and social care workers that would receive a bonus £500 payment in recognition of their services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
