CHEMISTS VOTE ON HOURS CUT

£1.3bn rescue plea for 'service on brink'

-  MARTIN BAGOT

PHARMACISTS are voting on whether to take their first-ever industrial action.

A threatened "work-to-rule" could cut opening hours, end free medicine delivery, emergency contraception services and support for those quitting smoking.

The National Pharmacy Association says funding cuts of 40% in real terms over a decade have forced more than 1,500 community pharmacies to close and many to reduce hours.