Is there ANY work in N.Ireland?

[culchie82]

Not came across too many that have bamboozled me yet, however I once seen Transvasin written generically back home, which totally got me!

[dakafub]

I dont understand why they are still producing so many pharmacists in N.Ireland, and with Uni of Ulster starting a course its just madness. I am a Queens grad and a pharmacist a little over a year now and i would say at least half my year are living in england now myself included. If i had known this before I started my degree I would have done something else I still might to be honest.

[culchie82]

You were probably in the same year as me then! I came over in early August, because the work situation was absolutely dire to say the least. I know some people who are sticking it out back home, which is totally pointless in my opinion. It also beggars belief as to why the University of Ulster in all it's wisdom, decided to open up another School Of Pharmacy when the North is saturated with Pharmacists as it is. How are you finding the Locuming? It isn't half stressful, but I suppose it beats a full time with all its targets and bullcrap.

[lamzee]

I hear there is a locum going round Belfast offering to work for 100 pounds a day (works out at about 11 pounds an hour), trying to undercut everyone else.

[hibernia]

I would be suspicious of offers like that. They may be desperate for work but more likely they are desperate for cash. Would you leave a desperate pharmacist in charge?

[lamzee]

Yes, it does sound rather desparate. Doesn't inspire confidence.

[dakafub]

I am working as a relief for one of the multiples at the min, they are bringing in so many ones in at the min polish, lots of spanish, its like the start of a bad joke sometimes at work eg last thursday two pharmacists one spanish, one irish and a german pharmacist doing his 3 months training, working as a dispenser. I wonder what the locals must think sometimes.

I am thankful that i had nothing to keep me back home otherwise i dont know what i would have done, any word on the latest batch to come out how their fairing. lloyds i know had a couple of recuitment days round belfast i would say they have snapped up quite a few to go to england

[culchie82]

I have been offered 100 pounds a day by a Pharmacy and told take it or leave it basically, so this figure doesn't surprise me in the slightest! The Pharmacy involved was in the rural West of the province, but it really doesn't matter if it's town or country at the minute, they're both equally affected. I think it's also a case of beggars can't be choosers.

[culchie82]

LLoyds are saying their recruitment days have been very successful and I've had them on the phone to me a number of times offering full times and what not. Of course they keep coming up with the same drivel about the days of locuming are coming to an end etc but you would expect them to say that, because it's in their interest to have everybody full time. Can I ask why you work relief - it's essentially like locuming, but for half the pay.

[cougar]

I'm from NI but working for a chain in England. The starting salary is 37k and I do 3000 items a month which isn't too bad considering the branch i did my pre-reg at did 13,000 a month.

Most of the big chains give referral fees if you find them a pharmacist. I think the standard is £1000. If I were you i'd email all your old uni mates and refer them. You could end up with a couple of grand even if you shared it with them 50/50.

I went to uni over here so I left home when I was 18 and view here as a second home.