Superdrug has announced a pay hike for newly qualified pharmacists, making them some of the highest paid in the industry, according to the retailer. 

The health and beauty retailer said the new pay hike will bump up wages to £50,000. 

Superdrug is hiring for 200 open roles and has also introduced a new financial well-being package aimed at helping employees as the cost-of-living crisis continues. 

The high street retailer has introduced a new pharmacy team leader role to selected pharmacies in order to enhance the patient experience. 

Superdrug has also appointed Craig Watt, pharmacist and previously area manager, and Amit Vassa, pharmacist and previously senior healthcare services manager, as two new heads of pharmacy operations for North and South of the UK.

Superdrug healthcare director Caris Newson said: “Our pharmacy team members are at the core of our business, and I am delighted to announce this increase in newly qualified salary in recognition of the skill and expertise required for these roles.  

“The last few years have been extremely challenging for pharmacists and pharmacy teams, and have also highlighted the vital and positive role that they play as clinical professionals, supporting patients and delivering safe and effective healthcare services and care within communities.” 

Superdrug people’s director Amy Davies said: “We are delighted to be strengthening our pharmacy offering. Craig and Amit have worked for Superdrug for many years and their passion for pharmacy and patient care alongside their great leadership puts them in a strong position to lead and develop our pharmacy operations in the future.

“There’s a reason Superdrug is consistently considered to be one of the best companies to work for and I’m confident we offer the strongest package, benefits, and perks to both attract and retain healthcare colleagues.”