There are too many Pharmacists in England

[weeneldo]

One of the reasons so many become pharmacists is the chance to work for themselves. Capital requirement to open a pharmacy not available to many, so locum work seen as an opportunity to work for yourself with attendant freedom (perhaps) to work where and when and perhaps use to subsidise as musician.

John's right, there aren't many careers that would allow me time to pursue my career as a gangsta rapper.

[johnep]

Have to confess that I used ability to work in retail as back up insurance. Eg Made redundant on a Tuesday. Had interview on Thursday, Started six weeks locum on the Monday. Virtually no other career would enable that. When I retired from industry in February 2001, Started locum work the following week. In the first year, earned so much together with pension, found myself facing higher rate tax. Took out a fully paid up pension to mop up the excess and still receive £350 gross every September. On the pension, I received full tax relief and then immediate 25% tax free payment. Anyone still working after retirement age could do the same. I did not continue as reduced my hours to ensure never reached higher rate threshold.
johnep

[Tony Schofield]

Is it not that locums going into permanent positions has resulted in less demand for locums? Did not the big multiples have high profile campaigns to encourage pharmacists to leave the vaguaries of locum work for the security, career prospects and paid sick leave/holidays? If permanent positions hadn't been filled there would be opportunity for locums but as that is a dreadful way to conduct a pharmacy business (different and inconsistent pharmacists every day) companies have addressed it by encouraging locums to take permanent positions.

I know you will twist this to demonstrate some conspiracy theory but running a pharmacy entirely on locum cover is a poor way to offer a good service to the public. Of course companies will attempt to address their weaknesses. So it results in less demand for your services. You know what to do.

I believe C&D and the PJ have pages and sites devoted to recruitment. It may be worth directing your attention there instead of whingeing here?

[johnep]

Until the late 90s, never knew anyone able to make a career as a locum working days. The fallow year really made it possible.
johnep

[hos_vil]

im so sorry guys, but most of your comments are wrong.

i am a locum, getting jobs everyday in south eng and south west eng. OF COURSE there are too many pharmacist now in the market. i study responsible pharmacist book as soon as i sign in, 2 things for me to check straight away, 1st that permenant pharmacists reg number and the name. reg number goes back to max 2 years old pharmacist if graduated from uk and 2nd the names are foriegn mostly EU names. contrated for £34000-38000 which you ll end up with £450-520 in your hand weekly after tax and student loan. Multiples are loving these and next month july 2012 more hungry pharmacist will be out to fill up all weekends and rural positions.

the rate ganna go down that far that itll worth to open a 100 hours pharmacy next to multiples which im doing now with my friend.trust me guys, people will come to you if you could contribute 6 months of your time.Im sure as soon as these happens multiple will get together and will push pcts to stop exempt contract.

So hurry up, if there are boots and lloyds open one next to them, you ll be doing 6000 a month easy.