WORK TO RULE

Pharmacies to cut hours in protest

- MARTIN BAGOT

PHARMACIES will shut on weekends and some evenings in unprecedented action over a lack of funding.

Trade group the National Pharmacy Association has advised its 6,000 members in England to start the work to rule if no extra government cash is agreed by April 1.

It is the first time in the NPA's 104-year history it has recommended such a protest.

It has advised chemists to:

■ Restrict opening hours to the minimum required by their contract with the NHS;