Independent vs multiple

[zeena]

Hello,
I am just writing to get some advice. Is working for an independent better in the long run than working for a multiple? I am newly qualified and currently with a multiple, but an opportunity has presented itself within a small independent and I'm not sure if it's the right way to go.

The independent is promising better salary, fewer hours and promotion potential, but I'm concerned about job security.

[Pharmanaut]

Hello,
I am just writing to get some advice. Is working for an independent better in the long run than working for a multiple? I am newly qualified and currently with a multiple, but an opportunity has presented itself within a small independent and I'm not sure if it's the right way to go.

The independent is promising better salary, fewer hours and promotion potential, but I'm concerned about job security.

Always leave a position on good terms in case you need to go back.
If you do decide to go to the independent ensure you have a written contract of employment which states your hours, salary, holidays etc etc.
Also join the PDA if you haven't already.
Might be worth an observation visit on your day off to see what the new place is like before you decide.

[DavidS]

Might be worth an observation visit on your day off to see what the new place is like before you decide.

Perhaps suggest you could do a locum there for a day/half day, to see how you all get on.

[zeena]

Thank you guys for the advice,
I'll go check the place out first like you suggested. I'm thinking maybe it'll be possible to negotiate a new contract with the multiple. Do you think that'll be a good idea?

[Zoggite]

The independent is promising better salary, fewer hours and promotion potential, but I'm concerned about job security.

Zeena,
You don't say whether you are a registered pharmacist or a dispenser/technician.
If you are a pharmacist, then promotion potential is small anywhere in community pharmacy, whether it be in a multiple or at an independent's;
If you are a dispenser, then possibly a multiple might be able to provide a better in-house training package.
As for job security: if you are a pharmacist, then I wouldn't worry, there'll be enough jobs around for the next few years. If you're a dispenser, then you're more likely to have a good job security in an independent than in a multiple, as these tend to see their staff as "numbers", "overheads", "non-essential costs", rather than seeing good staff for what they really are, i.e. a business's greatest asset. You won't get "that personal touch" with a multiple, you'll just be a number on a spreadsheet. And it's easy to make a "number" redundant, a lot easier than having to tell one of your dispensing team in person that "you're going to have to let them go" (euphemism for "sorry but I can't afford to employ you any more").

So my vote goes to the independent pharmacy, anytime.