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The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) Union has announced that it has signed a recognition agreement to represent Superdrug pharmacists and preregistration pharmacists.
In a statement published on 19 December 2025, the PDA said that it will “identify and train Superdrug-employed pharmacists to serve as PDA representatives within the company”.
“These representatives will be authorised to support their colleagues in discussions with management, with assistance from the PDA’s core team,” it added.
“Going forward, Superdrug management and the union will discuss certain employment matters and negotiate pay and conditions that apply to employed pharmacists within the bargaining unit.”
The agreement follows a ballot held in February 2025, results of which showed that 94% (n=125/133) of votes from pharmacists and foundation trainees employed at Superdrug voted in favour of PDA Union representation.
In its statement, the PDA said: “The recognition of the union does not replace the relationship between individual employees and their line managers, nor does it prevent management from fulfilling their responsibilities.
“Instead, it provides pharmacists with an additional, independent channel to express collective views and perspectives,” it added.
Mark Pitt, general secretary of the PDA Union, said: “The PDA Union has established that it can be a constructive partner to those that employ our members, where we can avoid or resolve more employment matters locally, earlier and together and allow everyone to focus on patient care.
“We are hopeful that this is the beginning of another a positive relationship of mutual benefit for the company and to pharmacists.”
Craig Watt, pharmacy director at Superdrug, said: “Earlier this year, the PDA Union was granted recognition. Since then, we’ve been working together to agree how the partnership would work and a formal recognition agreement has now been established.”
