Increase in single-parent families increases pressure on the pharmacy workforce

The changing profile of UK households and the increase in fragmented families has an impact on the delivery of pharmacy-run services. More children are living in single-parent families or moving between two separated parents over the course of the week. Pharmacists play a key role in educating and supporting lone parents and children, and increasingly become the first port of call in the community setting.

Proposed workforce impact

• Demand for pharmacists increases as single parents seek advice in the local community.

Sources or references

• http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/family-demography/families-and-households/2012/stb-families-households.html

Additional research questions

• What other social trends may impact on the pharmacist workforce?

Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.