What is a locum?

What is a locum in UK healthcare?   

A locum healthcare professional temporarily provides their skills to support a healthcare organisation. They may be needed because permanent staff member is on leave or because an organisation simply needs some extra support with workload. In the midst of the UK’s healthcare staffing crisis, locums are an important part of the response.  

Locums are considered self-employed and therefore have more freedom over their time and finances. It is a good option for those who enjoy more flexibility.  

Who can be a locum?  

Whilst some people may only have heard of locum doctors, locum work is available to all healthcare professionals. Locums must have the same qualifications as anyone else in their profession. It is only their working structure that is different. 

There is also no need to quit your salaried to be a locum. Many people do both! The joy of flexibility is that you can work as much or as little as you like. You may want to be a full-time locum, or pick up a few extra shifts ad-hoc, or work salaried three days a week and locum for the other two days.  

What are the benefits of being a locum?  

Flexibility 

Choosing when and where you work is a big part of locum work’s appeal. Salaried roles can be mentally and physically draining. Having control over your own work schedule makes you more adaptable to family commitments, pursuing hobbies and interests, and maintaining your own energy levels.  

Freedom 

Whilst many enjoy the day-to-day life of the workplace, others prefer to be more removed from workplace politics. Locums can dip in and out of different organisations, choosing to build relationships outside of a singular workplace. It can also relieve the pressure of expectations. Whilst agencies will regularly update you on relevant shifts, it is your choice whether to accept or not.  

Opportunities and variety 

Variety is the spice of life as the old saying goes. Whether it is different clinical settings, responsibilities or parts of the country, every new placement can be an opportunity to learn and grow.  

Extra earnings  

For those who don’t want to quit their salaried role, locum shifts are more of an opportunity to earn some extra cash when they need it. Locum shifts are higher paid and there are more options to choose from. Full-time locums also enjoy these higher rates, even when taking into account savings for holiday and sick leave.  

Where do I begin?  

Understanding your own preferences is a good place to start. Ask yourself:  

• How far am I willing to travel?  

• What type of role do I most enjoy?  
• How often do I want to work? Are there any days I can’t or won’t work?  
• What would be a deal-breaker for a placement?  
• How much do I need to earn in order to reach my financial goals?  

When contacting a locum agency, communicate these preferences to receive communications and opportunities tailored to you.  

Before you start working, you will need to provide compliance documents which prove you are eligible to work as a UK healthcare professional. At AppLocum, we send the full list of documents over when you register. You can complete the process within two days if you have your documents ready.  

Interested in working as a locum? See our latest vacancies or call 0161 711 0655 to find out more.