Pharmacists working in primary care networks (PCNs) have raised concerns about the instability of being employed on 12-month fixed-term contracts (FTCs), the Pharmacists' Defence Organisation (PDA) has reported.

In a recent regional committee meeting, PDA members in the south east of England said they were 'asking for more job security with longer contracts'.

But speaking to The Pharmacist today, national officer at the PDA Una O'Farrell said the issue affected PCNs across the whole of England.

And she said casework relating to FTCs for PCN pharmacists was increasing, particularly over the last five months.

Almost all GP practices in England are part of a PCN, making up around 1,250 PCNs of varying sizes across England.

Given this number, there can be variation in how PCNs work as an employer, including what HR processes are in place.

And with uncertainty over funding, particularly for Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) roles, ‘there's a reticence and a nervousness upon an employer to take on somebody in a full time, permanent position', Ms O'Farrell suggested.

Given that many pharmacists may not scrutinise their contract or be aware of the implications of being on a FTC, this leaves the potential for 'lots of vulnerabilities' in the employment process, Ms O'Farrell told The Pharmacist.

She highlighted an example of a member who was unaware they were on a FTC, as well as staff who lost their jobs amid structural reorganisation when their contracts came to an end.

While being on a FTC was not necessarily an ‘immediate red flag’, she said it was something that pharmacists should be aware of.

To be told their contract is expiring can ‘come out of the blue' for many pharmacists, she said.

'It’s really distressing for those that are affected,' Ms O'Farrell added.

And 'patients don't benefit’ from a high turnover of staff, she added. ‘It's not a good way to provide a health service.'

Pharmacists should check their contract at the outset, and to speak to the PDA or their union if they were on a fixed term contract, she noted.