Community pharmacy group Lloydspharmacy has extended its ‘refer a friend’ recruitment scheme among its 1,700 stores.

Up to £1,000 can now be shared out among a team, store or even cluster of stores if they successfully contribute to the hiring of a new pharmacist, as well as individual nominations.

The pharmacy group is offering staff an initial £500 if they can sign-up pharmacists before the 31 December to help support the busy Christmas period, with the remaining £500 being paid following six months of service.

Barbara Sutherland, head of capability at Lloydspharmacy, says: “Community pharmacists know that this is a really exciting time to be in the industry, with the move of primary care out of hospitals and into the community.

“We know that our staff are able to spot the best, and we want to reward them when they help us find talented new pharmacists.”

Lloydspharmacy only uses recruitment agencies for the recruitment of pharmacists overseas, and the company has a preferred supplier list in place.