Since the pandemic, across all industries, we have seen the rise of remote working and workers calling for or moving to more flexible work options. Many employees worked more flexible hours, in order to work around other responsibilities such as childcare. As a result, we can now see many employees moving toward more permanently flexible options.
This can also be seen in the realm of pharmacy. Rather than maintaining full-time roles in community or hospital pharmacies, many pharmacists are making the move to full-time locum work. There are many reasons people are making the shift from the flexibility it offers, financial incentives or even to widen their experience.
Flexibility
The flexibility of locum work is undeniable as you are able to work for yourself and be your own boss (see more)! You pick and choose your own shifts so you can work as much or as little as you like. We find many pharmacists making the move to locum work after starting families in order to work around childcare, school holidays etc.
Locum work also offers pharmacists the opportunity to travel to other parts of the country. Many agencies, such as Locate a Locum, have opportunities for stay-aways. This means that you can go and work in a new part of the country for a prolonged stay. Meeting new people, seeing new places AND earning money at the same time - what's not to love!
(If you are interested in stay away opportunities contact our team using the live chat)
Higher Earnings
According to a survey, carried out by Locate a Locum, it was found some pharmacy professionals make the transition into locum work for financial reasons as payment rates vary enormously in certain regions across the country. It is believed that if you are able to obtain regular locum work, you will earn more than someone who is in a permanent position. We actually found that the average rate across the whole of the UK in 2021 was £36.90 which is a whopping £16.90 rise on 2020s UK average rate of £20.50!
Furthermore, in light of the recent pressures facing community pharmacies, there is never a shortage of opportunities. Locums are always in need to fill staff shortages and to cover any emergency staff absences. Locate a Locum are uploading up to 5000+ new shifts every week!
Experience
Many newly qualified pharmacists chose to initially work as locums in order to gain experience in many areas before taking on a full-time placement. This allows newly qualified pharmacists to work with new PMR systems, experience different kinds of patients as well as the opportunity to network and build a reputation.
Are you ready to make the move to locum work?
Happy locuming!