Im a newly qualified locum, I registered with an agency and also got in touch with locum co-ordinators of a big multiple company for my area (berrkshire&oxfordshire). the co-ordinators set me up quicker and offered me work but at a rate of £20/hr weekdays and £23/hr weekends! I thought that was too low but they said this is their rate for newly qualified! my locum agency got me some work later (very few bookings) all on weekends but at £25/hr!!!!!
is this an acceptable rate from the co-ordinater?? should I have negotiated my rates more with the co-ordinators? should I negotiate my rates with them soon and explain to them that this is wat i get through an agency?
You contacted them, whereas they contact agencies. Ie you were asking for work, when they contact an agency it is because they cannot find anyone to work at lower rate. Basic supply and demand economics.
johnep
Until you find your feet you may wish to work for the low rate. Then gradually you may wish to raise your rate for places that you find less pleasant to work in, or are further away.
If you are happy to work weekends I would do that, and have a variable day off during the week - working for whatever work comes in. Weekend work is generally more pleasant than weekday work.
Check with the co-ordinators what their cancellation terms are. If its 7 days, then you can reasonably accept bookings from the agency after that time for more money. The co-ordinator won't like it, but they will cancel you whenever it suits them.
When does one stop being newly qualified?? really hate that word. Its not like all these coordinators or agencies will come with us to face the rpsgb if we make a mistake..so why pay us less? its just a complete joke!
A message to newly qualified locums. As you enter the real world you must not accept these nonsenical rules. It is your business so charge what you like balanced with what you bring to the business. If these big companies had their way they would be paying everyone minimum wage and less if it wasn't the law. I almost despair at times how submissive many pharmacists are individually and as a body as a whole. Yes newly qualified pharmacists lack experience but they often make up for it in energy, hard-work and their learning is fresh. If your agency does not support you and seems to be the agent of your employer, drop them. Good luck and stay happy, eventhough in some people this will precipitate envy!
should I have negotiated my rates more with the co-ordinators? should I negotiate my rates with them soon and explain to them that this is wat i get through an agency?
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