Working in 2 Pharmacies?

[XxxStarlightxxX]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum and this is my first post.

I'm struggling a little at the moment. I work in a very well known Pharmacy. I'm only part time and I am looking for a 2nd job to make my hours up to full time. I love my job, the team is fantastic and the atmosphere is great. I would love to move up the career ladder and train up as a Dispenser. This is something that has been mentioned but it doesn't look promising in the respect that it will happen at the moment. I have found a position being advertised for a trainee dispenser, but it is working for a different Pharmacy company. The hours could potentially fit around my other job, and it's offering the job prospects I am seeking. The problem is are you allowed to work for 2 different Pharmacies? I'm not sure how either company would view it, as they are potentially competitors??? It's really hard to find work to fit around my hours, and I love Pharmacy work, so it's either have 2 different jobs or find something totally different to do to become full time in a field which I may not enjoy. Any advice or information would be really appreciated. Many thanks.

[WalkeRx]

With regards to the well-known pharmacy you work in now, and the other one advertising the job, are they supermarkets? Is one an independent?

In my opinion working for a supermarket then getting a 2nd job in a competing supermarket would look bad, I don't think your colleagues would quite see you in the same way as they do now. At the end of the day it sounds like you're trying to do the right thing to continue working in this field, and ideally you'd work full time with your current employer if you could, but this isn't possible so they should just see things from your POV (in an ideal world, anyway). Working in an independent is almost a different ball game compared to a multiple so this may not look 'as bad', and could be understandable. The job interview may prove tricky though

[El-loco]

Unless there is anything in your contract of employment that specifically prohibits it you are entitled to work in as many places as you want.

Your problem will be that your second employer will have to take income tax from all of your earnings and you will have to claim that back at the end of the tax year. For that you will need to complete a tax return every year which is not all that difficult but you might need the help of an accountant.

[XxxStarlightxxX]

Hi,

I am currently working for Boots and the job advertised is for Co-operative Pharmacy. I would really like to move up the career ladder and train as a Dispenser. I am a Sales Assistant/Healthcare Advisor at the moment. I've asked but there are no hours available at my present job which is a real shame as I really enjoy it. But I need to be full time and this is the only way I feel I might be able to do it and also gain the qualification I am seeking. I understand I may get taxed a lot with a 2nd job. I feel I need to sit down with my manager and speak with them about this. They know my situation and that I am struggling, so I'm hoping they will understand. I'm really not sure the company policy for this situation? Thank you, please let me know your thoughts!

[El-loco]

I understand I may get taxed a lot with a 2nd job.

You should get most of it back though.

I feel I need to sit down with my manager and speak with them about this.

From 1st July it will be a requirement for anyone carrying out certain duties (e.g. even helping with dispensing) to have passed or be undertaking NVQ2 in dispensing. Click here: Dispensing Assistant - General Pharmaceutical Council So if you do this you are likely to be in demand.

You need to have it in writing from the Co-op that you will be undertaking this training and you will need to know under what circumstances, e.g. leaving after a short time or giving up the course, you would be required to pay back what it has cost them to put you on it.

The GPhC is committed to being a "light touch" regulator but when it gets the bit between its teeth (remember it has only been in existance since last October) and starts insisting that people have the qualifications it says they should have you will be like gold dust.

[WalkeRx]

From 1st July it will be a requirement for anyone carrying out certain duties (e.g. even helping with dispensing) to have passed or be undertaking NVQ2 in dispensing. Click here: Dispensing Assistant - General Pharmaceutical Council So if you do this you are likely to be in demand.

From 1st July it will be a requirement for those carrying out Pharmacy Technician duties to be registered with the GPhC. Taking part in Level 3 training (which leads to registration) is much desired, though not all pharmacies need Technicians.

Having (or training for) a Level 2 dispensing qualification has been a requirement for some time, if you take part in many dispensary duties. I believe the rule is that you must be registered on a training course within 3 months of starting your role. E.g. working on the counter, you need to be on a course within 3 months of starting that role.