Why Some Pharmacies Struggle to Fill Vacancies Whilst Others Don't
Staffing challenges are one of the biggest concerns facing community pharmacy today.
Whether it is finding a pharmacist for a single shift, recruiting a pharmacy technician or securing long term support staff, some pharmacies seem to attract applicants with ease while others consistently struggle to fill vacancies.
While workforce shortages undoubtedly play a role, the reality is that vacancy fill rates are influenced by far more than location and pay alone.
This article explores some of the reasons why certain pharmacies attract strong candidates and reliable locum support while others find themselves repeatedly struggling to secure cover.
The Market Has Changed
The pharmacy employment market is not what it was ten years ago.
Pharmacists, technicians and dispensers now have greater visibility of available opportunities than ever before. Through professional networks, recruitment agencies and digital platforms, pharmacy professionals can often choose between multiple vacancies.
This means employers are no longer simply evaluating candidates.
Candidates are evaluating employers too.
Reputation Travels Quickly
Pharmacy professionals talk.
Locums frequently discuss their experiences with:
• Other locums
• Agency consultants
• Former colleagues
• Pharmacy managers
• Professional networks
A pharmacy that is known for being organised, supportive and professional often develops a positive reputation that attracts future applicants.
Conversely, pharmacies that regularly experience staffing issues, poor communication or unrealistic expectations may find that word spreads quickly.
A strong reputation can become one of the most valuable recruitment tools available.
Communication Matters More Than Many Realise
One of the most common reasons vacancies remain unfilled is poor communication.
This can include:
• Delayed responses
• Unclear shift details
• Last minute changes
• Lack of booking confirmation
• Uncertainty around payment arrangements
Pharmacy professionals want clarity.
When shift information is incomplete or communication is inconsistent, many candidates simply move on to other opportunities.
Rate Is Important, But Not Everything
It is easy to assume that every vacancy can be solved by increasing the hourly rate.
While competitive rates certainly help, they are only one part of the decision making process.
Many pharmacy professionals also consider:
• Travel distance
• Pharmacy reputation
• Workload expectations
• Support staff levels
• Availability of breaks
• Previous experiences at the branch
A well organised pharmacy offering a fair market rate will often attract more interest than a poorly managed environment offering a slightly higher rate.
Staff Support Makes a Difference
Locums and permanent staff alike are more likely to return to pharmacies where they feel supported.
This does not mean the pharmacy needs to be quiet or without pressure.
It means:
• Expectations are clear
• Staff work as a team
• Problems are addressed professionally
• Support is available when required
Many pharmacy professionals actively seek out branches where they know the environment is positive and well organised.
Last Minute Recruitment Creates Last Minute Problems
Some vacancies are unavoidable emergencies.
However, many staffing gaps are predictable.
Annual leave, maternity leave and known absences can often be planned months in advance.
Pharmacies that consistently recruit at the last minute may find themselves competing with dozens of other providers for the same limited workforce.
Forward planning generally results in:
• Greater candidate choice
• Better continuity
• Reduced staffing costs
• Lower operational risk
Location Still Matters
Geography remains a significant factor.
Rural locations and areas with limited workforce availability may naturally face greater recruitment challenges.
However, location alone is rarely the whole story.
Many pharmacies in traditionally difficult recruitment areas maintain excellent staffing levels because they have invested in:
• Relationships
• Reputation
• Communication
• Workforce planning
These factors often have more influence than employers realise.
The Importance of Building Relationships
The pharmacies that consistently fill vacancies often have one thing in common.
They build relationships.
Rather than viewing every shift as a standalone transaction, they invest time in developing professional relationships with:
• Locum pharmacists
• Pharmacy technicians
• Dispensers
• Recruitment partners
As trust develops, vacancies become easier to fill because professionals are more willing to return to familiar and supportive environments.
Why Proactive Recruitment Still Matters
Many providers now rely heavily on digital platforms to advertise vacancies.
While platforms provide visibility, visibility alone does not always generate applications.
A vacancy can be seen by hundreds of pharmacy professionals without resulting in a booking.
This is where proactive recruitment remains valuable.
At Pharm-Assist, we do not simply upload vacancies and wait.
We actively contact pharmacy professionals we know are:
• Available
• Suitable for the role
• Within reasonable travelling distance
• Experienced in similar environments
By combining technology with direct engagement, pharmacies gain access to a wider and more responsive workforce.
Creating a Pharmacy People Want to Work In
Ultimately, the pharmacies that consistently attract staff are usually the pharmacies that people enjoy working in.
This is built through:
• Professional communication
• Fair treatment
• Realistic expectations
• Strong leadership
• Workforce planning
While no pharmacy can control every aspect of recruitment, creating a positive working environment significantly improves the likelihood of attracting and retaining quality professionals.
Final Thoughts
Recruitment challenges are affecting pharmacies across the UK, but workforce shortages alone do not explain why some vacancies remain unfilled while others attract strong candidates quickly.
Reputation, communication, planning and relationships all play a major role.
The pharmacies that understand this tend to build stronger, more resilient workforces over time.
If you are experiencing recruitment challenges or regularly struggle to fill vacancies, Pharm-Assist supports pharmacies across the UK with proactive staffing solutions, direct locum engagement and structured workforce support designed to reduce operational pressure and improve continuity of care.