Why work through an agency?
The advantage of working through an agency is that you can concentrate more on what you're good at and that is practicing medicine. It is rather time consuming trying to co-ordinate locum work with various practices unless you are doing a long-term locum, agencies are usually a lot more convenient.

The rates are usually higher through an agency. Also it is usually a lot easier receiving payments through an agency as this is done on a set basis without you having to chase anyone.

You get paid per hour so this includes paperwork and bits that sometimes tend to drop into your lap (surgeries sometimes tend to include this in the 'sessional rate').


How often do I get paid?
You have a choice of getting paid, either daily or weekly, although weekly is usually standard through a BACS system (directly into your bank account)


What is my employment status?
As a locum GP you are self-employed, and work as an independent contractor. This means you are paid Gross and hence responsible for your own tax affairs.

As a hospital locum you can either work through a Limited Company, be Employed through the agency or work through an Umbrella service (Please ask our recruitment consultants for further information).


Can I contract directly with surgeries or hospital that I am sent to?
Yes you can. If you want to work directly for the surgery or hospital then there might be an introduction fee payable by the client subject to contract. Please do inform us of any such intentions so we can come to a mutual agreement.


Do GP locums need to go through the process of revalidation?
Yes indeed, this is currently being developed by the GMC in co-operation with the RCGP and the GPC. This will involve producing a personal learning plan and also yearly appraisal, the outcome of 5 consecutive appraisals forming a large part of the revalidation process.


Is locum work through an agency pensionable?
Unfortunately, this is not pensionable through the NHS Pension Scheme Benefit, but hopefully things might change one day?