What's life like as a locum?

[naf123]

Hi,

I am a summer pharmacy student....


Currently, I find the idea of working in the same place very very tiring every day. I thought maybe it would be more useful to locum as it gives a change of scenery every day!

So I have a couple of questions to ask....

1. Do locums earn the same or more as non-locums? I understand locums are self employed and this brings risks like illness etc

2. Is work very avalible every day in the London/hertfordshire area? I.e. - would it be easy to get work every day Monday to Friday?

3. How does it look on a CV if you have been a locum for many years?

Many thanks

[Asterix]

I too have a few questions to add on:

1. How does a locum pay less tax
2. Is it better to find places yourself or via a locum agency
3. Figures up to 50k have been quoted for locums, is that plausible?

[johnep]

If you intend to locum full time than is tax advantageous to become a ltd co.
If part time, then easier to be 'sole trader' Main benefit of being self employed is that any expense involved is tax deductible. Do a search here or on locumvoice. Has been repeated many times. Remember there is an acct advertising on this forum.
johnep

[vanquish s]

Hi i live in Hertfordshire. I am only a student but work in a pharmacy part-time. The locums i work with quite often are booked 50/60 hours a week. So i am shore there is alot of work locally but dont quote me on that. I could find out from them for you?

And sterix of course a locum can earn 50k, i have seen u have asked this on numerous occasions. Try and do a bit of your own research. All it takes is a quick google and calculation. Locum rates are £24 per hour where i live. So if you were to work 47 weeks a year and 45 hours a week that comes to about £51000. Work 60 hours a week (doctors hours) and that will be closer to £65000 a year. These calculations are without holiday and weekend rates as well.

[Asterix]

The figures you quote seem inflated to me though.

[Pharmanaut]

The figures you quote seem inflated to me though.

60 hours per week?
You would work 60 hours per week?
You would be burned out after 4 weeks of that.

Don't forget over £37,400 you start to pay 40% tax.

[Fleegle]

Don't forget over £37,400 you start to pay 40% tax.

True, but that is where your accountant comes into play..if you are liable for higher tax rate, even if you earn £37,410, your allowable deductions,including pension contributions, are calculated against the higher rate, across the board.

Fleeg.

[vanquish s]

Asterix, why are they inflated, check all other quotes on here they very from £20-25 per hour. Use some initiative and work it out. I made the calculations at £24/hr. Yes i would occasionally work that, my dad did it to get us where he is, house officers do it, locums i work with do it, start a business and you would need to do it. Not saying everyone could do it but if i want something nice i.e. a nice car or getting cash to start a business i could. Just got to have a good motive to do it. Im currently doing 60hrs a week now. Working 14hrs a week at Tescos pharmacy then as a research project Mon-Fri 9-5 at my university why its the holiday. So it can be done. Obvisouly you have to enjoy it. Just i have always been taught hard work is rewarded.

But again Asterix just follow this link and you will see the figures are correct Community pharmacist: Salary and conditions | Prospects.ac.uk. Just wondering if you do any research into your chosen profession

[Jeff]

1. Do locums earn the same or more as non-locums? I understand locums are self employed and this brings risks like illness etc

More per hour and they get to keep more of what they earn.

I'll pass on the other two questions

[Jeff]

1. How does a locum pay less tax

Claims expenses.
You need a car to get to and from work
A telephone to take bookings
A computer for invoices and to run your business (throw in printer and disposables such as paper and ink)
Internet access for CPD.
Fuel for your car
Servicing your car

2. Is it better to find places yourself or via a locum agency

Always been myself - but times have perhaps changed with multiples tied to particular agencies.

3. Figures up to 50k have been quoted for locums, is that plausible?

Yes and easily done. It's only £1000 per week @£25 per hour that's 40 hours a week. 9-6 Monday to Friday with an hour off for lunch. Most places are open longer - and there's also Saturdays and late night pharmacies (100 hours or Supermarket) to make up for the bank holidays - but you can do those too.
What do you do with that sort of money though? I used to work for 18 months and then take 6 off to travel.