From Mrs P. Barnard, MRPharmS
SIR,-Probably, as a result of an ever increasing number of grey hairs, I find I am being asked for advice on which type of pension a young pharmacist should be paying into.
I would, however, prefer to think my advice was being sought as I am an original member of the steering committee for EPIC (Employee and Locum Pharmacists in the Community) and it is this type of information that EPIC should be providing.
Many young pharmacists are moving from one multiple to another, perhaps working for an independent contractor pharmacist for a while, definitely considering the prospects of becoming a locum to ensure greater independence over the question of long working hours, and also becoming a part-time adviser to the new primary care groups - the range of possibilities is numerous. Hence a portable pension scheme is essential.
Is there an individual or organisation within the profession that can address this issue?
Since employees and locums now make up a significant proportion of community pharmacists, this and other issues need to be researched and addressed by a representative organisation - hence EPIC. EPIC linked itself with the union MSF (PJ, March 22, 1997, p393), which was, with the benefit of hindsight, an unsatisfactory move for numerous reasons. Therefore, I suggest that EPIC should stand alone, at this stage, and a membership fee of £5 per annum would be adequate to ensure commitment.
May I invite pharmacists to send me their views on the acceptability of this suggestion.
Pat Barnard
36 Moss Lane, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire SK71EH
Tel/fax: 0161 439 2633 E-mail: barnardrd@eggconnect.net