Recent warnings from Members of Parliament highlight the serious risk that Jhoots pharmacies may lose their NHS contracts. Concerns have been raised about the treatment of staff at Jhoots, with reports of employees going unpaid.
Concerns Over Employee Treatment
Mr. Kinnock remarked that it is “completely and utterly unacceptable” for businesses like Jhoots not to compensate their staff. Regulatory bodies, including the General Pharmaceutical Council and NHS integrated care boards, are actively investigating individual pharmacies. Severe consequences, including the potential loss of licenses, loom over those found in violation.
Access Issues for Patients
- Dr. Luke Evans, the Shadow Health and Social Care Minister, expressed alarm over the closure of pharmacies.
- Patients across the country are finding locked doors, unsuspecting of the closures.
- Many communities are left without essential pharmacy services.
Melanie Onn, a Labour MP, revealed that five employees in a Grimsby branch have not been compensated since July. Similarly, residents in Sedbergh, Cumbria, face a significant obstacle, having to travel 40 minutes to find an alternative pharmacy.
Jhoots’ Recent Market Entry
Jhoots began its operations in 2023 after acquiring several Lloyds Pharmacies. The Jhooty brothers, Sarbjit and Manjit, partly own all Jhoots branches. Sarbjit Jhooty manages 129 stores and has acknowledged difficulties with workforce recruitment and management.
Efforts are reportedly underway to address these challenges, but the ongoing issues continue to impact both staff and patients. As Jhoots navigates these regulatory pressures, the potential loss of NHS contracts remains a significant concern for many communities across the UK.
