Co-op Pharmacy situation...

TangoFiver

Hello,

My friend works as a Pharmacy Technician for the Co-op Pharmacy, and after the news today, is understandably worried.

They (the area manager) have said that "if they can't find a buyer then they will keep the pharmacies", and that they will "know more towards the end of the year".

My friend is now unsure whether or not she should be applying for other jobs now, or just stick it out with the co-op....:question:

They also said that "there will be no redundancies" but to me that means that the people who (if) buy them might then make the redundancies?!

Does anyone have any advice, as she's of course anxious of what the best course of action would be, if any?

Thanks in advance,

TF

ohreally

Get looking.

Denning.

Its profitable and a buyer is highly likely if they agree to sell. Cut backs are pretty standard in a takeover. I would start looking but not be too worried.

TangoFiver

Thanks for the replies :beer:

Her individual store apparently isn't profitable, so I guess that would make it vulnerable to any 'changes'....

gobbledycook

Hello

Your friend should definitely start looking for another job sooner rather than later. The Coop as we know it is finished! Its online Pharmacy is very expensive, cannot compete with the likes of Alliance Boots and recently, it is struggling to fulfil orders. The future is grim!!!

A few days ago, having heard the news, I decided to give their online Pharmacy a try. I placed my very first order with them (for a couple of items) and this is a reply I received:

Dear Sir/Madam

The Co-operative Pharmacy Online Store

I am taking this opportunity to write to you as an existing customer of our Online Store to thank you for the orders you have previously placed with us.

A strategic review has recently been undertaken of our online business, and a decision has been taken to discontinue sales to those customers who are ordering on behalf of others. This is to ensure that it is possible to fulfil orders for customers who are ordering items for their own personal use for which there will be a restriction on the total quantities purchased. Regrettably we will be unable to process any further orders from you.

Your order has been cancelled and fully refunded. Please allow 3-5 working days for this to be apparent on your account balance.

If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or a member of my team on 0845 6202013.

Kind regards

Ifti Khan
NHS Standards Manager

Need I say more!

doe808

Denning. wrote: »

Its profitable and a buyer is highly likely if they agree to sell. Cut backs are pretty standard in a takeover. I would start looking but not be too worried.

It's very profitable. If it comes on the market, they wont be short of interested parties. You can see the OFT taking an close interest too !!