The Pharmacy Workforce Shortage: How to Stay Competitive in a Tough Market as an Employer

If you’re finding it harder to hire pharmacists, dispensers, or pharmacy technicians right now, you’re not alone. Across the UK, pharmacies are under pressure. Demand for services is growing, but the number of qualified professionals just isn’t keeping up.

We speak to hiring managers and business owners every day who are feeling the strain. Gaps in rotas, rising locum costs, team burnout, and in some cases, reduced opening hours. It’s not easy out there. But there are things you can do to stay competitive and attract the right people.

So, what’s causing the shortage?

A few key things:

• More demand, fewer people. With pharmacies taking on more clinical services, the workload has grown but the workforce hasn’t.
• Burnout is real. Many experienced pharmacists are leaving, changing careers, or going locum for more control and flexibility.
• Alternative career paths. Pharmacists now have a wider range of career options. More professionals are stepping away from traditional community and clinical roles and moving into industry, pharma, finance, consultancy, and tech. As more individuals explore these non-conventional routes, fewer are choosing high street and NHS-based positions.
• Training bottlenecks. There aren’t enough new professionals entering the pipeline fast enough.
• Locum demand is sky-high. As a result, availability is patchy and rates are rising.

The knock-on effect for employers

You’ve likely already felt it. Many pharmacies are:

• Struggling to fill vacancies quickly
• Relying heavily on locums, which comes at a cost
• Putting more pressure on their existing team
• Finding it harder to deliver the level of service they want with in turn effects he financial stability

So how can you stand out and attract the right people in a market like this?

Five ways to stay ahead in a competitive hiring landscape

1. Move quickly

The best candidates don’t hang around. If you’ve got someone good, don’t let delays in interviews or internal sign-off hold things up. Having your process ready, or working with a recruiter who can manage it smoothly, can make a big difference. So skip that five-step recruitment process and join the 1 stage gang.

2. Be flexible where you can

Whether it’s job share, shorter shifts, hybrid roles, or progression plans, candidates are looking for positions that fit their lives. The more adaptable you are, the more appealing you’ll be to a broader talent pool.

3. Don’t just list duties, sell the role

A great job advert does more than outline responsibilities. What makes your pharmacy a good place to work? What does your team enjoy about being there? Why should a candidate choose you over someone else down the road?

4. Look after the people you have

Retention matters just as much as recruitment. Investing in your current team through support, recognition, and development builds loyalty and helps avoid further hiring needs down the line.

5. Get help from someone who knows the market

At Quad, pharmacy recruitment is what we do every day. We know who’s looking, what they’re looking for, and how to get the right people through your door. Whether you’re hiring for a permanent role, need urgent cover, or want to plan ahead, we’re here to make things easier.

Here’s how we can help

We work with community pharmacies, NHS trusts, private providers, and everything in between. If you're finding it tough to hire, or simply want to take the stress out of the process, we’re ready when you are.

You’ll get a dedicated point of contact, expert market advice, and access to a network of pre-vetted pharmacy professionals who are genuinely ready to work.

Talk to a Pharmacy Recruitment Expert Today

Call 01244 621477 or email info@quadrecruitment.com
 We’re here to help with today’s vacancy or tomorrow’s growth plan.