A meeting was held between representatives of the federations and the PDA Union on 22 January 2026 at which a number of issues of concern to GP Federation Pharmacists (GPPs) and Lead GPPs were progressed. Following constructive engagement between Federations and PDAU, the following was agreed:
Pay
Federations and PDAU remain committed to working collaboratively to achieve a longer-term sustainable pay framework that provides clarity, fairness and alignment with funding arrangements.
1. 2024/25 Pay Award
Eastern / Northern and Southern FSU Federations will apply the remaining 0.5% of the 2024/25 review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB) award, ensuring the 2024/25 uplift has been paid in full.
We recognise that historical approaches across Federation areas differed in earlier years. Federations have worked collectively to bring greater consistency to the application of pay awards across Northern Ireland, and all areas are now applying the agreed DDRB uplifts on a consistent basis.
2. 2025/26 Pay Award
The 2025/26 DDRB pay award of 4% will be implemented in full. This uplift, together with backpay to 1 April 2025, will be included in the March 2026 payroll.
3. Future Approach to pay awards
Federations remain committed to progressing a formal Business Case with the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) to align GPP and Lead GPP pay structures with Agenda for Change (AfC). In the interim, DDRB uplifts will be passed on in full.
Other matters
4. Adverse Weather Protocols
Development of a consistent policy regarding the treatment of time lost due to severe adverse weather conditions will be explored.
5. Working from Home Policy
While there was no agreement on the possibility of introducing a regular working from home policy, the federation will consider the appropriate treatment of extreme circumstances where an individual cannot attend the workplace, but could still work effectively from home.
While home working arrangements were utilised during the exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, GPP and Lead GPP roles are fundamentally practice-based and patient-facing.
There are currently no plans to introduce a routine home working policy. In exceptional circumstances, Federations may consider temporary arrangements on a case-by-case basis, subject to service needs and operational feasibility.
6. Movement Between practices
It was accepted that employment is across the Federation area, not practice-specific and that given that funding is dependent on service delivery to all practices within the model, a degree of flexibility in deployment is essential to ensuring fairness and sustainability across the workforce. However, it was also noted that change of location can impact on an individual’s other commitments. Consultation with individual GPPs before reallocation to other practices differed across federations. All federations are to be encouraged to consult with individuals before reallocation.
7. SPPG Data Capture exercise
It was confirmed that the data capture mandated by the SPPG should be occurring consistently across all federations.
It was confirmed that the data capture mandated by the SPPG within the GPP LES should be occurring according to the LES specification.
8. Access to NHS Fleet Scheme
It was noted that access to the scheme varied across regions and all federation will be encouraged to provide access to the scheme on a consistent basis.
It was noted that access to the NHS Fleet Scheme currently varies across Federation areas. Implementation of the scheme requires dedicated administrative support and operational capacity, which differs regionally.
Federations will continue to consider the feasibility of offering access within their respective areas, taking account of local resources and service priorities.
Further updates will be shared as discussions with funders progress.
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