work

[Sahnel]

Hello All,
there seems to be hardly any Pharmacist Locum work at the moment these months ; any advice on where to look/go or what to do?Based in West midlands so local preffered??How are people getting thier bookings?
Thanks.

[hos_vil]

It is really hard, there is nothing available. Boots dropped their rate from £25 to £22-23 weekdays in SW. I got offer 55 miles away for £23 for saturday but I refused. Looking to see if I could open up different businesses. Please, locums stop working for cheap, It doesnt worth it.

[Chemicalboy2]

Work is getting harder and harder to get especially in the northwest since alot of pharmacist have moved to the area having reading that it is the land of honey for Locums since the chemist and druggists salary article survey a couple of months ago but found it is myth.The people who do these articles forget that the contractors read the magazine as well and so dropped the rates and now do not get a decent mileage rate.

Also as any Locums noticed how the Sainsburys term and conditions are a straight Copy of asda terms and conditions I wonder if John Evans at asda knows since I think they would not be happy!

Anyway I am getting out of locumming since it like N.I in 2012 so I am selling my soul to multiples for the best price whilst I retrain as lawyer all being well.

Good luck to all Locums for the next few months.

[Sahnel]

It is really hard, there is nothing available. Boots dropped their rate from £25 to £22-23 weekdays in SW. I got offer 55 miles away for £23 for saturday but I refused. Looking to see if I could open up different businesses. Please, locums stop working for cheap, It doesnt worth it.

Why did you refuse?
What kind of businesses?

Any suggestions apart from contacting pharmacies/co-ordinators directly what can be done during these times to get regular work quickly?

Thanks

[Sahnel]

Work is getting harder and harder to get especially in the northwest since alot of pharmacist have moved to the area having reading that it is the land of honey for Locums since the chemist and druggists salary article survey a couple of months ago but found it is myth.The people who do these articles forget that the contractors read the magazine as well and so dropped the rates and now do not get a decent mileage rate.

Also as any Locums noticed how the Sainsburys term and conditions are a straight Copy of asda terms and conditions I wonder if John Evans at asda knows since I think they would not be happy!

Anyway I am getting out of locumming since it like N.I in 2012 so I am selling my soul to multiples for the best price whilst I retrain as lawyer all being well.

Good luck to all Locums for the next few months.

Sorry its not clear why your getting out of locuming?

[owlman123]

Hello All,
I can only speak on behalf of one of the multiples but many branches are now managed and those that arent are only paying 20-23 per hour tops week days with 22.50-25 sats. Many locums try to rail against this but are told the pay is what it is and their is no movement

[zakkaz]

It's luck too. I've been working 4-5day weeks (normally I;m happy 3-4 as I'm not a money obsessed locum myself), since April or something, through to November, with a few days in December too.

[dippsy]

Easier said than done but may be worthwhile (if possible) to consider a career in medicines management. With the advent of CCGs, all groups will require a form of this type of management. I have to admit, I have many years of experience behind me in this and recently work has been non-stop. Additionally as this is more of a specialist area, rates are normally better ... Expect between 30-35 per hour.

Locum work is getting very difficult to find at reasonable rates. Max you are likely to find is 23-25 per hour and only if you are lucky. Eithe that or expect many hours of travelling. Forget about London and the majority of the major city areas ... Almost all are saturated.

Luckily, I also have experience with community pharmacy at a more strategic level.

Thus, I mix my week with locuming, community pharmacy strategic work and medicines management work. As mentioned earlier, I do not have enough time in the week to complete all my work!

So, my recommendation .... Do not restrict yourselves to locuming only. Certainly do not get tempted to become an employee at a multiple (expect a rate of about 18 per hour if you do). Consider expanding your horizons and train for additional roles in pharmacy. You can make yourself more marketable .... and probably enjoy your week more with a bit of variety!!

[Tony Schofield]

Oi Culchie? Have you seen this? I am not alone in believing pharmacy can be varied and interesting.

[culchie82]

Developing an unhealthy obsession with me Tony? Culchie is a proponent of these Clinical services if it cuts out the grind of the dispensary and leads to more varied and interesting role. Culchie would be an opponent of these services if they end up being a dog's dinner due to them being forced upon Pharmacists ON TOP of the daily grind of the dispensary. Quite simple really.