7114 Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants
Unit group 7114 in the ONS Standard Occupational Classification 2020, with the line the Appendix Skilled Occupations gives it. Not immigration advice.
In short
- ONS unit group 7114, in minor group 711 (Sales assistants and retail cashiers) and major group 7 (Sales and customer service occupations).
- Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Not on the list: Table 6.
- Going rate as the tables print it:
What the ONS says
Description
Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants work under the supervision of pharmacists and opticians or optometrists to dispense drugs and medicines, issue pre-packaged prescriptions, sell over-the-counter medication, dispense spectacles and contact lenses and other related products.
Typical entry routes
Entrants usually possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically received on-the-job, supplemented by study towards vocational qualifications. NVQs/ SVQs are available in relevant areas and at various levels, and apprenticeships may be available.
Tasks
- checks received prescriptions for legality and accuracy and confirms patients’ or customers’ details
- maintains records of prescriptions received and drugs issued
- checks stock levels, rotates stock, orders new stock from supplying companies and ensures that products are stored appropriately
- arranges displays of merchandise
- relays information to customers under the direction of pharmacist and opticians or optometrists
- carries out sales transaction, wraps and packages goods
Related job titles
- Dispenser
- Health care assistant (retail pharmacy)
- Optical assistant
- Pharmacy assistant
What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says
The Appendix lists this code in the table below, with the table’s own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.
Table 6: SOC 2020 occupation codes which are not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility or Scale-up routes
- SOC 2020 occupation code
- 7114 Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants
- Examples of related job titles (non-exhaustive)
- Dispenser
- Health care assistant (retail pharmacy)
- Optical assistant
- Pharmacy assistant
Other unit groups in minor group 711
- 7111 Sales and retail assistants
- 7112 Retail cashiers and check-out operators
- 7113 Telephone salespersons
- 7115 Vehicle and parts salespersons and advisers
Sources
Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.
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