UK pharmacies could cut hours unless NHS provides ‘new and sufficient’ funding

The NPA’s advice could see fewer independent pharmacies being open in the evenings and at weekends. Photograph: Julien Behal/PA

Independent pharmacies in England have been advised to slash their opening hours in a row over funding.

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) said it had “been left with little choice” but to recommend its 6,000 members take collective action for the first time in its history, unless the government provides “new and sufficient” funding to cover significant new costs.