Working Pharmacist Rates for Eid (19th and 20th March 2026)
Eid is expected to fall on 19th and 20th March 2026, subject to moon sighting. While Eid is not a statutory public holiday in the UK, it is widely observed, and this can create staffing pressures in certain regions.
For community pharmacies and locum pharmacists alike, the key question becomes:
Should rates increase during Eid, and what can reasonably be expected?
This article outlines how rates typically behave during this period and what may be realistic across different parts of the UK.
Is Eid a Public Holiday in the UK?
Eid is not a UK bank holiday. There is no legal requirement for enhanced pay.
Any uplift in locum rates during Eid is driven purely by:
• Local supply and demand
• Staff annual leave patterns
• Short notice cover requirements
In some areas, rates may not move significantly at all. In others, especially those with large Muslim communities, availability may tighten.
Why Rates May Increase in Certain Areas
Demand can rise where:
• Permanent Muslim pharmacists request leave
• There are fewer available locums locally
• Booking is left until short notice
• Pharmacies operate extended hours
This creates temporary regional supply pressure rather than national rate change.
Expected Regional Rate Ranges for Eid 2026
The figures below reflect realistic March 2026 market expectations based on standard community pharmacy rates, with potential Eid related uplift where demand increases.
These are indicative ranges, not guaranteed rates.
London
• Standard March rate: £30 to £40 per hour
• Possible Eid uplift: £35 to £45 per hour in higher demand boroughs
Demand may increase in areas with large Muslim populations. Central London may remain stable due to larger locum supply.
South East England
• Standard rate: £28 to £38 per hour
• Possible Eid uplift: £32 to £42 per hour where availability tightens
Pressure is more likely in commuter towns with smaller locum pools.
Midlands
• Standard rate: £28 to £35 per hour
• Possible Eid uplift: £32 to £40 per hour in certain cities
Cities such as Birmingham and Leicester may experience higher leave requests, which can affect supply.
North West
• Standard rate: £27 to £35 per hour
• Possible Eid uplift: £30 to £38 per hour in high demand areas
Manchester and surrounding areas may see moderate uplift depending on availability.
Yorkshire and North East
• Standard rate: £26 to £34 per hour
• Possible Eid uplift: £28 to £36 per hour
Rural areas may already command higher baseline rates irrespective of Eid.
South West
• Standard rate: £30 to £40 per hour
• Possible Eid uplift: £35 to £45 per hour in rural locations
Rates are often higher here due to recruitment pressures rather than religious holiday demand specifically.
Wales and Scotland
• Standard rate: £28 to £38 per hour
• Possible Eid uplift: £30 to £42 per hour depending on region
Remote and island locations may see higher rates due to geography rather than Eid itself.
What About Stay Away Shifts?
If overnight accommodation is required during Eid, rates may be higher due to:
• Travel inconvenience
• Reduced availability
• Extended commitment
Clear agreement around:
• Paid hours
• Accommodation
• Mileage reimbursement
Should always be confirmed before booking.
Guidance for Locum Pharmacists
If you are considering working on 19th or 20th March 2026:
• Assess the genuine demand in your region
• Avoid assuming automatic uplift
• Confirm total paid hours including break deductions
• Maintain professionalism in rate discussions
A modest increase in genuinely high demand areas may be reasonable. Significant inflation above market norms may reduce repeat bookings.
Long term relationships often outweigh short term premium gains.
Guidance for Pharmacy Providers
If you anticipate staffing pressure during Eid:
• Confirm annual leave early
• Circulate shifts well in advance
• Avoid emergency bookings where possible
• Be transparent about rates and service expectations
Last minute bookings are more likely to attract higher hourly offers.
Forward planning stabilises costs.
Cultural Awareness and Professional Balance
It is important to approach this period respectfully.
• Some pharmacists will be observing Eid
• Others may choose to work
• Fair communication benefits both sides
Professional conduct and early planning reduce tension around rates.
The Role of Structured Staffing Support
Working with a structured staffing partner such as Pharm-Assist can support:
• Early circulation of Eid shifts
• Transparent confirmation of paid hours
• Clear communication around expectations
• Reduced last minute negotiation pressure
This allows both pharmacies and locums to plan responsibly.
Final Thoughts
Eid on 19th and 20th March 2026 is not a statutory holiday, and there is no legal requirement for enhanced pay.
However, regional staffing pressures may result in moderate rate increases in certain parts of the UK. Rates are influenced by supply and demand, not obligation.
Realistic expectations, professional communication and early booking remain the most effective way to manage culturally significant dates.
If you are arranging cover or seeking work over Eid 2026, Pharm-Assist supports pharmacies and locum pharmacists across the UK with structured and transparent staffing arrangements.