We usually get asked questions about the Locum process, from booking on to shifts to getting paid, and with IR35 & Brexit around the corner, we have put together a quick guide to help you decide whether Locum is best for you.
So, what is a Locum you ask? Within the Veterinary Industry you have a few different titles, Locum Vet, Locum RVN, Locum Nurse, Locum Vet Nurse, Locum VCA. You get my point; you add a Locum in front of your usual title, and you get your now Locum title. However, what does it mean?
“A locum is a person who temporarily stands in for someone else within the same profession”.
It is a known fact that most Locum wages are higher than permanent staff and this is usually due to a few reasons:
– Shorter notice periods (usually a week or two).
– Depending on how you get paid your holiday pay is included in your daily rate/ hourly rate.
– Locums are usually not entitled to sick pay.
– No benefits such as maternity leave/pensions, again this is all depends on how you get paid.
– Need to cover your own VDS and registrations fees.
– Need to fund your own CPD, and when you do not work, you are not paid.
Being a Locum usually empowers you to decide when you work and when you do not. This flexibility regarding who you work with allows for a better work-life balance and, most locums are attracted by the concept of having a shorter notice period so they can move around as and when they like. Should their dream job come up, it enables them to start it straight away without the usual 3-month notice period.
Being a Locum comes with some Risks:
There are periods where you may find it difficult to find work in your area or companies who will pay your rates. With IR35 coming in there may be companies who will not engage with anyone who is working through an LTD or Self-Employed status, so there are a few things to bear in mind:
– You may not be entitled to the inhouse CPD that your current locum role provides to their staff members.
– As a Locum in the veterinary profession are you expected to perform from the word go. There is no settling in period as such. The client is paying you a higher rate and they expect you to be able to fit in and hit the ground running.
– You may have to travel further than expected for a role as practices close to you may not need cover. Many veterinary professionals have made a career out of being a Locum and it really comes down to your personality and what you want out of life.
Both Locum and permanent paths are easily accessible and equally rewarding enough to consider exploring in 2021. Practices will always need holiday cover, sickness or recruitment gap cover; it is just up to you to decide if you will be the one covering the holiday or being on holiday!
Ask yourself, do you like the hustle and bustle of traveling here there and everywhere? Do you like the idea of being the ‘go to’ local Locum for veterinary practices in your area when they need cover? Are you looking for a bit more stability coming out of Covid-19 and straight into Brexit and then IR35? Would you like to build up relationships with fellow colleagues and clients?
If you’re still not sure but would like to discuss your options in more detail, feel free to contact the team at JR Veterinary. Why not browse our website for some useful tips and, of course, our vacancies page?
