'Shocking!': Major high street chain with 140 branches sparks mass closure fears as staff go 'unpaid for WEEKS'

Freelance pharmacists are collectively owed £670,000 in unpaid fees, according to the Pharmacists Defence Association (PDA). The shortfall affects the company’s network of around 140 branches nationwide.

The union representing locum staff claims millions of patients could be caught up in the fallout as fears grow over possible mass closures.

Locum staff, who provide essential cover when permanent pharmacists are unavailable, have reported going months without pay. The PDA said many members have been forced to chase outstanding wages while also facing mounting household bills.

The payment crisis has already triggered widespread disruption, with several Jhoots branches closing their doors unexpectedly, leaving some communities temporarily cut off from vital NHS pharmacy services.

The PDA has warned that failing to pay its workforce raises questions about Jhoots’ ability to continue operating NHS contracts and maintain safe, reliable services.

Some staff describe turning up for scheduled shifts at shuttered pharmacies, despite having received no wages since July.

One employee told the PDA they were still required to attend shifts under threat of dismissal for contract breach, even when sitting inside closed branches without medicines to dispense.

North Devon branches haven't received supplies for seven weeks. Four of five Isle of Wight locations remain shuttered. One staff member told North Devon Today: "I am having to sit in a closed empty pharmacy as I have been told if I don't turn up for work I will be dismissed for breach of contract even though I haven't been paid my July wages."

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Bristol and Somerset pharmacies display notices citing "no pharmacist today", with Williton's branch consistently closed for nearly a month. Portishead residents witnessed their local Jhoots close permanently before a bank holiday weekend.

The shortages extend beyond staffing issues. When branches do open, shelves sit empty and common prescription items remain unavailable, forcing patients to seek alternatives elsewhere.

Former pharmacist and North Somerset MP Sadik Al Hassan has condemned the situation as "shocking" and demanded immediate action. He criticised the decision to allow Jhoots to acquire 40 additional pharmacies in 2023 despite their documented history of operational failures and contract non-compliance.

"This level of contract management puts the entire reputation of pharmacy at risk, to allow an operator like this to continue," Al Hassan stated. The MP has scheduled a meeting with Jhoots management this month to address the crisis.

He's calling for the company to surrender its NHS contracts in his constituency, arguing that closed branches still count towards local pharmacy provision whilst denying residents actual access to services. Al Hassan also emphasised that NHS England must take responsibility for allowing the situation to deteriorate to this extent.

One anonymous former Jhoots employee in Somerset described the devastating personal impact: "It's been horrendous. We've all fallen behind with all our bills, people have mortgages, car payments to pay."

She explained how the financial strain affected basic necessities: "It's affected us greatly, even down to being able to send my child to school with a packed lunch for the day. I wasn't able to provide at points, having to borrow money off family members."

The worker, owed thousands of pounds since January, said the stress had severely impacted her mental wellbeing. Despite contacting owner Sarbjit Jhooty directly, she was referred to HR where her emails went unanswered.

Patients face equal frustration. Fishponds residents describe "angry customers" unable to obtain medications, whilst elderly Williton residents struggle without local pharmacy access.

Sarbjit Jhooty, who operates 129 of the affected branches, acknowledged operational difficulties and attributed them to "workforce and recruitment challenges" particularly acute in the South West.

He stated his team was "actively engaging with staff, local partners, and wider stakeholders" to restore normal service "as swiftly as possible".

The Pharmacists Defence Association spokesperson demanded accountability: "It often seems that community pharmacy owners face no consequences regardless of their business behaviour and instead continue to receive taxpayer funds and are allowed to operate under the NHS banner."

They urged pharmacy minister Stephen Kinnock to ensure unsuitable operators are prohibited from delivering NHS services.

Local NHS Integrated Care Boards confirmed they could take formal action against pharmacies breaching contracts "where necessary".