Lloyds Bank?

Lloyds pharmacy is dangling a £10,000 carrot as an incentive for students thinking of entering the pharmacy profession. The payment will be received on successful completion of four years' continuous service (including the pre-registration year).

With the majority of university chiefs expecting the £3,000 limit for tuition fees to increase yet further in the next four to six years, students are likely to find a course that offers a monetary reward a more attractive prospect. Lloyds says that the scheme reflects its commitment to its staff and the community.

The company is currently undergoing a major redevelopment programme to refit its pharmacies, incorporating, among other things, dedicated consulting areas for diagnostic testing. This will make Lloyds an ideal work environment for pharmacists interested in more than just dispensing, and who want interaction with the community.

'With tuition fees and growing accommodation costs, students are under an ever increasing level of financial pressure,' said Maxine Harris, HR director at Lloyds. 'We want them to be able to concentrate on developing their professional career as a pharmacist, and a good way to do this is by offering a financial bonus to ease the transition.'