Living wage inflation over the next four years may affect staff numbers, making automation more economical. The Chancellor’s Autumn statement has recommended a new National Living Wage rate to apply from April 2017. The Low Pay Commission has pointed out that the government’s ambition is for the rate to reach 60 per cent of median earnings by 2020, subject to sustained economic growth.²

Automation can allow a smaller dispensary team to deliver a greater volume of items, and some pharmacies might reduce staff numbers after buying an automated system. However, Rowa has stated that “experience from 20 years and 6,500 installations worldwide suggests pharmacies will adapt processes and use their existing staff to enhance customer service.

"We see for example in Germany – the most developed market in Europe – that the existence of an automated system gets mentioned in job adverts. Applicants know they don’t need to spend time on the monotonous warehousing processes and can focus on their profession.”

A minimum number of staff will always be required for safety, and the Drug Tariff does not currently recognise the impact of automation in its Part VIA Practice Payments regarding minimum dispensing staff hours per week.³