Postal strike action withdrawn

Update 31/10/2022: The Communication Workers Union has announced it has withdrawn planned strike action for the 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 and 10 November.

Contractors are reminded to submit their claims for NHS pharmaceutical services through the Manage Your Service (MYS) portal by the 5th of the month to secure access to earlier advance payments.


Community pharmacy contractors are advised to dispatch their paper prescriptions for October to the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) no later than the 5th of November, to mitigate against planned strike action by the Communication Workers Union (CWU).

The paper prescription bundle should be sent together with the Account Identifier Document to the relevant pricing division of NHSBSA by Saturday 5th November. Contractors must continue to submit their FP34C declaration via MYS by the 5th day of the following month in which the supply was made. NHSBSA use the figures submitted electronically through the Manage Your Service (MYS) portal to calculate pharmacy payments, including earlier advance payments.

For submission of paper prescription bundle to the NHSBSA, contractors are advised to use a reliable and secure courier or postal service that offers track and trace (as outlined in Clause 5A, Part I of the Drug Tariff). After dispatching the prescription bundle, contractors should track it to confirm it has been delivered to/received by the relevant pricing division at the NHSBSA. If the prescription bundle has not arrived at the relevant pricing division as expected, contractors should inquire with the courier to establish the whereabouts of the bundle and notify the NHSBSA as soon as possible.

Proof of postage by the 5th and/or delivery confirmation should be retained as evidence in case there are any issues, e.g. if a prescription bundle goes missing or is delayed in transit to the pricing division etc. Contractors should note that administrative charges for late submission of prescription forms may apply if a contractor cannot provide evidence, where requested by the NHSBSA, that their bundle was submitted via secure track and trace delivery no later than the 5th day of the following month in which supply was made.

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