We understand that employment issues and challenges can cause stress and worry,. The following organisations may be able to provide support in this area.
Employment advice from a trade union
Pharmacists might want to consider joining a trade union. Membership can provide access to employment advice, help you protect your professional reputation and in some cases include professional indemnity insurance.
There are two organisations that are specifically for pharmacy. These are the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) which is a defence association and membership body, and the Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists (GHP).
- For further information on the PDA and the support they offer, visit the PDA website.
- For further information on The Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists (that is part of the Unite union), visit the Unite website.
ACAS
Acas gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice. They also offer training and help to resolve disputes. Acas advice is for every worker and employer across England, Scotland and Wales.
An Insurance Policy
You can often obtain employment advice and cover for legal costs through a variety of insurance policies. These are most commonly found in legal expenses insurance attached to home, car, or credit card policies. This cover often includes support for unfair dismissal, discrimination, and contract disputes, usually requiring a minimum of a 51% chance of success to fund legal representation. Double check with your insurance provider to see what cover they are offering you.
Your Local Citizens Advice Bureau
Citizens Advice help millions of people every year with free, independent and expert advice across the broadest range of areas. They are a network of independent charities offering confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.
You can search for your local Citizens Advice Bureau here.
You can also call the Citizens Advice Line, this is open Monday to Friday from 9 to 5, except for bank holidays. Just call 0800 144 8848.
Top five tips for dealing with employment issues
Employment Legal Advice is a free service set up by The Growth Company together with Citizens Advice Manchester, Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton and a network of legal partners. It offers advice to people living in the Greater Manchester area who may be facing challenges at work. In collaboration with Linder Myers Solicitors, they’ve shared their top five tips for taking control of a difficult situation at work:
- Keep your own log and account of what has happened, as well as copies of any correspondence.
- Exhaust internal processes and procedures and ensure you are fully versed in your employer’s own policies by requesting a copy or outline of the procedure your employer intends to follow.
- Seek early independent advice from a solicitor or employment advice service when the issues first arise.
- Don’t be put off by potential costs, there may be funding arrangements you can access.
- Assert your rights – don’t assume there is nothing to be done about your situation, employment law is there to protect employees.
This webpage was reviewed in March 2026