National Insurance Contributions For Community Pharmacy - House of Lords Vote
Published: 03/04/25

You may remember that in January our Chairman, Martin Green, co-signed a letter to the UK Chancellor along with 47 other Scottish organisations, highlighting the impact of planned employer's National Insurance Contribution (NIC) hikes on businesses and charities who largely deliver public services.
Unlike other private businesses, our members cannot directly pass on cost increases to the end user (patients in our case), so the impact of this change to NICs is potentially disastrous.
We are pleased to see that the House of Lords recently held a debate which used community pharmacy as a central talking point, eventually voting overwhelmingly in favour of granting an exemption to this rise in business costs.
There are several more steps in the legislative process, and the House of Commons is not obliged to accept this recommendation - but we are more optimistic today than we were last week about impending cost increases.
Next prescription courier collection is 17 July 2025. Follow bagging guidelines and include GP34 forms..
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
Mark Easton recognised for 20+ years of service in Hopeman and Burghead with invitation to Royal Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
eMessage and ePay systems will be unavailable on Sat 12 July 2025 from 9am–12pm due to planned maintenance. Thank you for your understanding.
Join our Operations Team to support pharmacy branches across Scotland, deliver excellent patient care and grow your career in a dynamic full time role.
Community Pharmacy Scotland donates £8,700 to Held In Our Hearts, supporting baby loss counselling and peer support through its Charity Golf Day.
Scottish Government confirms 2025/26 flu vaccine eligibility, key dates, and delivery plans. Health Boards urged to begin preparations.
Scottish pharmacy funding for 2025/26 confirmed at £343.3m, with a 4% uplift to the Global Sum and increased guaranteed income for key services.
SSPs for Estradot® HRT patches now end 10 Oct 2025. Pharmacists may substitute with Evorel® or Estraderm MX® to manage supply issues.
NES seeks pharmacists to facilitate virtual discussion groups for 2025-26 trainees. Support learning, share expertise, and shape future practice.
The Scottish Government has informed Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) that a 4% uplift will be applied to the Global Sum for 25/26 which amounts to around £9.31 million in total. This money will be directly used to support additional costs being borne by the network such as National Insurance impacts.
Removed Lines from Parts 2, 3, 4 of the Scottish Drug Tariff
Please note, due to ongoing discussions with PHS the final round of Adjusted Prices for June are likely to be agreed and published on Tuesday 1st July 2025.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Thursday, July 3rd, 2025. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
Follow Graham Le Tissier’s week three experience using the Varenicline Service to quit smoking, insights, challenges, and support from community pharmacy.
Response to Scottish Government’s consultation on a new Long Term Conditions Framework, supporting a shift from condition-specific policies to a more integrated, equitable, and patient-centred approach.
Details of Scotland’s 2025 Gonorrhoea Vaccination Programme using 4CMenB (Bexsero®) for high-risk groups, including eligibility, delivery model, vaccine schedule, and clinical guidance.
This circular reminds community pharmacy contractors of the key service requirements for NHS Pharmacy First Scotland, highlighting the importance of face-to-face consultations, correct use of NHS branding, and adherence to national service guidelines.
A Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP 083) is in effect from 23 June to 1 August 2025 for venlafaxine 37.5mg MR tablets, allowing substitution with capsules. Learn how pharmacists should manage this temporary supply issue.
Join our friendly East Linton pharmacy team! We're hiring a full-time pharmacist, great salary, 5 weeks holiday, pension, and IP training support. Apply now for an August 2025 start!
Read our Chief Executive’s latest blog on the development of a new Health and Social Care (HSC) Vision in Scotland
Join me Graham Le Tissier for week three of my quit journey using the Varenicline service.
The following are the Top Three items currently under discussion and review by your CPS Board. There is no specific detail, yet, as these are currently “works in progress”. Further detail will follow as available.
CPS highlights the role of community pharmacy in prevention, early detection, and treatment at the Scottish Conservative Party Conference 2025.
Explore how Scotland’s Future Trends report highlights the role of community pharmacy in prevention, public health, and early intervention.
FTY employers: complete PVG checks before July 2025 to avoid trainee deferrals. Learn how Disclosure changes may affect pharmacist start dates.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Thursday, June 19th, 2025. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
Join Lindsay & Gilmour as a Dispenser in our Central Ops Team. Support pharmacies across Scotland and help deliver excellent patient care.
Join Lindsay & Gilmour as a Team Leader Pharmacy Technician. Lead operations, support teams, and shape pharmacy services across Scotland.

Policy & Development Pharmacist
Register for the Post Registration Foundation Programme for Pharmacists from 1st August to 12th September 2025 Submit your form early to secure funding.