PHARMACISTS VOTE FOR WORK TO RULE

Cuts and closures force move

- MARTIN BAGOTH

PHARMACIES are to launch their first-ever industrial action, with many cutting their opening hours.

The National Pharmacy Association yesterday said its members have voted to conduct "work to rule" actions.

This can include stopping free medicine deliveries, emergency contraception services or addiction and stop-smoking support.

It says government real-term funding cuts of 40% in England over a decade have forced more than 1,500 community pharmacies to close and many more to slash their hours.