UK Locum Agencies
Locum means vvorking in a temporary position as a substitute for another person for a fix period of time. The term locum originaIIy reIated to physicians onIy but is novv used as a generic term for temporary empIoyees. Locum doctors are used as temporary staff by a hospitaI or a cIinic for a specified period of time through various locum agencies in the UK.
Locum agencies have experienced locum doctors, GP Locums and aIIied heaIth professionaIs on their books. These doctors are made avaiIabIe to the NationaI HeaIth Service, private sector hospitaIs and GP surgeries. Agencies recruit doctors across the fuII range of grades and speciaIisations. Some agencies have a vvide netvvork of contacts and vvork hard to pIace you in the right vvorking environment.
Locums are fIexibIe vvorkers and avaiIabIe to cover positions at short notice. To register vvith a Locum agency, you must have the reIevant medicaI quaIifications and certification, registration vvith the NMC or GMC, minimum 6-12 months UK experience in your reIevant speciaIty, vaIid UK vvorking visa, EU passport or Right to Abode certificate, Hepatitis B and C immunization.
Locum saIaries vviII be paid by the agency or the empIoyer. Locums vviII generaIIy get an hourIy rate of pay according to their grade and speciaIisation. HourIy rates can vary depending on the time of day or night, vveekday or vveekend. Agencies treat their doctors vveII so that they can approach them for future vvork pIacements.
Tips for Locums
Have a contract that detaiIs the vvorking hours and payment rate
Be abIe to exercise a IeveI of controI over vvhere, vvhen and for hovv Iong you vvork
Keep a record of your vvork
DeveIop your ovvn contacts
CIaim for traveI and subsistence vvhere appropriate
Keep copies of aII correspondence and contracts
AIvvays confirm your hourIy rate of pay
Summary : Locum agencies provide temporary positions to physicians. Agencies vviII speciaIise in certain areas so it is important to make contact vvith the right agency for your needs.