Recruitment experts expect an ongoing shortage of pharmacy technicians and supervising pharmacists to continue into 2025 amid widespread dissatisfaction with pay and conditions across the industry.
A survey of 568 pharmacists throughout 2024, conducted by Excel Recruitment, indicated a strong appetite for change and better support among people working in the sector.
More than one-fifth of survey respondents who left their job in the year cited a lack of career structure and progression opportunities as the primary reason for their departure, according to the survey. Another 57 per cent pointed to a desire for greater autonomy and better pay.
The results of the survey are contained in Excel’s latest annual pharmacy salary guide report, published on Thursday.
Barbara Kelly, senior pharmacy consultant at Excel, said one of the report’s most significant findings is the “ongoing talent drain”, particularly for senior supervising pharmacists.
“We also note that while locum pharmacist rates have remained stable compared to previous years, employers are increasingly offering additional benefits to attract and retain talent, reflecting the competitive nature of the pharmacy job market,” she said.
“Many professionals are seeking more than just competitive salaries; they want career advancement, increased professional autonomy, and better work-life balance.”
Looking ahead Ms Kelly said the demand for skilled, senior professionals in the industry is likely to remain elevated. “There are approximately 1,900 community pharmacies in Ireland, which underscores the continued need for a robust and capable workforce in the sector”.
She said the “evolving needs” of the sector is likely to see a rise in demand for technicians, who support dispensing and medication management. “As pharmacies continue to broaden their services technicians will be instrumental in supporting pharmacists in delivering these expanded offerings.”
Ms Kelly said efforts should be made to attract more students to the pharmacy and pharmacy technician professions, including the establishment of a new pharmacy school in the Republic.
- Sign up for the Business Today newsletter and get the latest business news and commentary in your inbox every weekday morning
- Opt in to Business push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Our Inside Business podcast is published weekly – Find the latest episode here
