We recognise how important it is to ensure that learning time for the pharmacy workforce is protected. By working with Health Education and Improvement Wales, we've funded a pilot for protected learning time for community pharmacists this year. The work of evaluating these schemes will be completed during the coming months, and the result of that work will influence the arrangements for the future.

Finally, in terms of developing the workforce, a great deal of work is being done by Health Education and Improvement Wales. Wales is already acknowledged as an excellent place for pharmacists to train, live and work. Here in Wales we have the highest rate of filling posts for trainee pharmacists, and the highest rates of success in registration exams for pre-foundation pharmacists across the whole of the United Kingdom.

Even though they're not part of the contractual arrangements for community pharmacists, we are working very closely with Health Education and Improvement Wales to ensure that things do improve. We have ensured that the training and development opportunities that have been planned by them align closely with our contractual reforms. Specifically, Health Education and Improvement Wales will provide opportunities for community pharmacists to train as independent prescribers. There will also be opportunities for pharmacy technicians to take part in modern apprenticeships every year from 2022-23 onwards, so I can acknowledge that apprenticeships are already coming into force, but I do think it's worth looking into whether degree apprenticeships could be provided in this field.

The Welsh Government will provide financial support for that training. Up to £3,000 will be provided to every pharmacist, and £2,000 will be available for every pharmacy technician. We're also investing in services to support this service and this training.

Funding for prescribing services and independent services in community pharmacies will increase from £1.2 million to £4.2 million from April of this year. This will support our new national service for independent prescribing by pharmacists. So, hopefully, you will see that change that you want to see in the communities because of this new contract.