Flexibility in work is a feature many medical professionals, especially doctors, prefer to opt for. Locum doctor jobs in the UK provide room for flexibility in work hours and also have so many other varying benefits.

Becoming a locum doctor in the UK is straightforward and any doctor can try getting started with locum jobs as much as he wishes to.

Here is a complete guide to working as a locum doctor in the UK.

How does a locum doctor’s role differ from a permanent doctor’s role?

The greatest benefit that locum jobs offer is the flexibility in work shifts. When opting for locum roles, you don’t have to adjust your life around your work, unlike in permanent doctor positions. You can choose your work hours and shifts and you get paid well, accordingly.

The duration of your locum job role could also vary greatly. There are locum positions that you need to just fill up for a single day. You can also opt for locum roles that go on for a longer time period like maternity leave.

You can do locum doctor jobs in hospitals, medical centres, and clinics. Working times, locations, and pay rates change according to different jobs and you also have some control over it.

What makes locum jobs exciting is the fact that you rarely get repeat patients. However, it could also be a challenging aspect for some doctors.

Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of working as a locum doctor in the UK.

Advantages of working as a locum doctor in the UK

Here are the many benefits that you can enjoy while doing locum work.

·        Independence and flexibility in selecting your preferred work schedule.

·        The chance of exploring different career options before settling for one.

·        The ability to earn more than while doing a permanent doctor job.

·        The opportunity to travel across different states and explore many regions while working.

·        The chance of switching between various roles and specialties in the medical field depends on your qualifications and experience.

·        The opportunity to work in diversified work environments.

·        The opportunity to gain experience and expand your CV and credentials.

·        The opportunity to follow free practice and online training provided by locum agencies.

·        The chance to fast-track your medical career as locum work counts towards Specialist Registration.

Disadvantages of working as a locum doctor in the UK

Working as a locum work does require commitment, dedication, and adequate planning from your point of view. If you plan on being a locum doctor on a full-time basis, then you need to manage your time properly to keep up with a regular work schedule and income.

Here are a few of the drawbacks of working as a locum doctor.

·        You are not entitled to sick pay, pension schemes, maternity leaves, etc. as soon as you join as a locum doctor. However, according to Agency Worker Regulations (AWR), employers are entitled to benefits that a permanent worker would receive, after 12 weeks of completion of locum work.

·        You are in complete charge of managing your finances and taxes unless you hire an accountant to do the job.

·        It’s difficult to build a good relationship with the permanent staff in hospitals and practices which can affect your ability to establish a strong network.

Is a locum doctor job suitable for you?

A locum doctor job is not suitable for everyone. It can depend on various factors and also require proper management of work schedule and commitment to ensure that you get a steady income.

You may not always feel like trading your permanent job with a locum tenure. However, locum jobs can be useful if you want some quick cash, as they pay higher rates.

As a medical professional new to the healthcare field or as an established doctor, you may require a change of routine in your work. Locum doctor jobs in the UK are excellent if you are looking for such options in work.

There are several reasons why someone would prefer to work under a locum tenure in the UK.

·        It’s ideal if you want to gain experience in different medical disciplines and work environments.

·        It’s the perfect opportunity to ensure financial stability especially when you are moving between jobs. It serves as an excellent temporary alternative between jobs.

·        It’s the best job if you’re not the type of person who likes to work long hours and night shifts and be on-call.

If you are one or more of the above, then you can try doing locum doctor jobs in the UK.

Requirements of being a locum doctor in the UK

Even working as a locum doctor required you to have the qualifications and experience of a permanent doctor. You need to have full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) and be registered as a General Practitioner (GP).

Here is what you need to have to work as a locum doctor in the UK.

·        Have copies of your credentials when going for interviews and visiting practices. These include:

§  Copy of medical degree certification and proof of training.

§  Copy of your medical indemnity certificate.

§  GMC registration number and certificate information.

§  Proof of identities such as passport or driving licence and NHS smart card.

§  Evidence of previous employment.

·        Register with the GP Performers List which is a database with all qualified GPs who practice in the UK.

·        Attain annual professional reviews.

·        Have your equipment when visiting a practice.

How to find locum doctor jobs in the UK

There are two main ways to find locum doctor jobs in the UK. One is to apply through a healthcare recruitment agency that specialises in locum jobs. This is the easiest and most preferred method to find locum jobs. Finding locum doctor jobs through recruitment agencies provides great flexibility in terms of working hours and higher pay rates.

The other method is to find locum jobs through a local locum chamber, depending on your location. Chambers bring together various doctors under one body and act as a sharing base to keep doctors informed of new locum positions in their locations.

Locum doctor pay rates

The average salary of a locum doctor in the UK is £58,955 per year or £30.23 per hour. Locum doctor jobs start at an annual salary of £53,783 and can go up to £87,750 per year based on experience.

Locum doctor jobs can be just for a weekend or even extend for several months depending on the engagement type. Locum doctor jobs in the UK are generally available throughout the year.

Read the article How much can I earn as a Locum doctor in the UK for more details on locum pay rates in the UK.

Conclusion

Working as a locum doctor in the UK is extremely rewarding and is an excellent career option. Flexibility in locum work and higher pay rates are generally why doctors prefer this type of work. However, to get the best opportunities, you need to find jobs through a recognized recruitment agency that specialises in locum jobs.

Medfuture is a reputed healthcare recruitment agency that provides the highest-paid locum doctor jobs in the UK. We provide locum positions with flexible working hours throughout the year.

Visit our website for a list of the current locum jobs available in the UK.

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