The Pharmaceutical Journal’s recent survey reveals that 30% of pharmacists have encountered discrimination that has impeded their career progress. Out of 1,242 surveyed pharmacists in the UK, 368 affirmed that they had experienced career-limiting discrimination.

Discrimination was most prevalent among pharmacists in integrated care boards or health boards, with 35% reporting career-limiting discrimination.

 Other sectors reported the following rates:-

○ Pharmaceutical industry (34%)

○ Academia (31%)

○ Hospital pharmacy (29%)

○ GP practice and primary care (28%)

○ Community pharmacy (21%)

Among 400 pharmacists who answered, 36% reported sexual discrimination, 34% racial discrimination, and 29% age discrimination. Other cited factors included pregnancy and maternity (16%), religion or beliefs (15%), disability (11%), marriage and civil partnership (5%), sexual orientation (5%), and gender reassignment (3%). One-fifth of respondents (20%, n=81) reported discrimination based on factors such as nationality, weight, accent, class, part-time work, caring responsibilities, and trade union activity. Respondents could skip one or both discrimination questions.

Paul Day, director of membership and communities at the Pharmacists Defence Association (PDA), noted that while their casework aligns with the survey results, disability-related discrimination has been the most common issue in recent years. He suggested that the lower rates of perceived discrimination among GP practice and community pharmacists might be due to less defined career structures compared to academia or hospital pharmacy. He emphasized that all forms of discrimination are wrong and need to be eliminated for everyone.

Amandeep Doll, head of professional belonging and engagement at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, “Individuals who are at the intersection of a number of protected characteristics will face additional barriers. Through the focused campaigns we have undertaken we have been able to get a better understanding of their needs” she said. “We acknowledge the significant lack of racial diversity at senior pharmacy levels, which is unfair and a waste of talent. All pharmacists should have equal career advancement opportunities, regardless of their background.”

The September 2023 ‘Pharmacy Workforce Race Equality Standard’ (PWRES) report found significant underrepresentation of Black, Asian, and minority ethnic pharmacists in senior roles in England, with female pharmacists particularly affected.

Nathan Burley, president of the Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists, said, “Unions like Unite support members facing workplace issues, including racism, sexism, and discrimination. Pharmacy staff can seek help from union representatives to manage the stress of addressing these problems.”

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sabrin Saba Hussain/MSM)