Commitment to a big chain

[hannahd]

Are you allowed to work for another multiple or locum if you’re an employee of one of the big chains?

[Linnear]

Unlikely,the contract is usually worded so that you can't even work for a nearby pharmacy for a number of months/years after leaving!

[N.T]

I know many people who do and have never encountered any problems doing it.

Not sure on the content of their contract - so what they may be doing could be breaking the contract. Never heard of anyone getting into strife because of this though.

[hannahd]

Unlikely,the contract is usually worded so that you can't even work for a nearby pharmacy for a number of months/years after leaving!

That’s rather unfair isn’t it? I can understand them not allowing you to work for another company whilst you’re an employee but to restrict you after you’ve left really sucks. Why do they put this restriction in? To stop you nabbing the “regulars”?

[Zoggite]

That’s rather unfair isn’t it? I can understand them not allowing you to work for another company whilst you’re an employee but to restrict you after you’ve left really sucks. Why do they put this restriction in? To stop you nabbing the “regulars”?

Basically, yes!
however, I don't think any employer has ever been successful in sueing an ex-employee who did just that, employment tribunals tend to frown upon such a restrictive clause...
As for locuming or working for a different company if you're an employee of one of the big chains, I don't think they'd quibble too much about that, providing it doesn't affect your ability to work properly when you're working for them. If they wanted to impose such restriction clauses in your contract, I'd make darn sure they pay handsomely for the priviledge!

[Jeff]

As for locuming or working for a different company if you're an employee of one of the big chains, I don't think they'd quibble too much about that, providing it doesn't affect your ability to work properly when you're working for them. If they wanted to impose such restriction clauses in your contract, I'd make darn sure they pay handsomely for the priviledge!

They imposed a clause about locum work in mine. OK the area manager said that what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him - but I was always uncomfortable with the clause.

Jeff

[Pharmanaut]

They imposed a clause about locum work in mine. OK the area manager said that what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him - but I was always uncomfortable with the clause.

Jeff

I don't think they can do that any more.
Provided that you are not acting in a way prejudicial to your main employment they cannot restrict your activities out of contracted hours. Just mention human rights, tribunals, constructive dismissal. They will leave you alone.

[hannahd]

Having checked pre-reg contracts from two of the big chains, one restricts working elsewhere without permission from the company and the other has a clause that restricts working a certain radius from another one of their stores.

I'll definitely be reading contracts more carefully in future.

[Zoggite]

It definitely pays to read the smallprint, whether you're buying a telly, car insurance, or signing a contract for employment...!

[hannahd]

I haven't seen my NHS pre-reg contract yet. I accepted without seeing it since I was told that it wouldn't be prepared till nearer to the time I start with them. I'm now afraid, very afraid.............