t: 0121 777 8118
info@locumplete.co.uk


Frequently Asked Questions


Locums

How do I Register?
We have tried to make it easier for you to register simply follow the link and input your details, we will then acknowledge your enquiry and send you further instructions. The next stage is for you to provide us with your preferences as to work locations, companies you want to work, days you want to work. We also need to know your accreditations, system experience. Along with your future availability. All this information is used by our system to determine the most suitable bookings for you.

How will you contact me?
In the majority of cases it will be by telephone. If we cannot speak to you immediately we will text you to let you know we need to speak to you. Due to the nature of locum work we do not normally e-mail you unless we are certain you can respond promptly.

How much work is available?
Generally there is work available for Locum Pharmacists. Demand for Locums tends to reduce at certain times, especially in November (the best time for you to go on your holidays), but for most of the year demand. It is also dependent on location as well larger Cities such as London, Birmingham and Manchester will have higher concentrations of locums this can affect number of openings available and sometimes rates. Summertime is the busiest time of year when Managers go on holiday. It's best to book ahead so that you know you have work. Most of our clients try to book a six weeks in advance and many Independent Pharmacies get cover for their holidays sorted well in advance too.

How much will I get paid?
The rates of pay are invariably set by the client based on the current market indicators, location and time of year. We as an agency do not set the rates you get but follow guidelines set by our clients.

As an average rates range from £21p/h to £23p/h during the week and rise to £23p/h to £25p/h for weekends. We can in certain circumstances try to negotiate a better deal but the client will normally want to work within set limits but we can but ask. Bank Holidays, rota hours are normally at slightly higher rates Emergency bookings on the day will be negotiable

What if I don't want to work in busy shops?
Part of the registration process involves you discussing with us your requirements; we are very keen to work with you to place you in stores you feel most comfortable working in. Please always ask at the time of arranging the booking how busy a store is we will always tell you and if do not know we will find out. If you feel it is too busy a store you can then decline the offer.

I'm not getting any job offers!! Why not?
It may be that your criteria need widening. If you have said that you will only travel locally and won't work in a shop that does more than 50 items in a day it is unlikely that you will get many offers. Likewise, if you haven't done MUR & Repeat Dispensing, you may not get many offers if our customers have said that they require it.

How will I know when my vacancy or my booking is agreed?
Following any discussions about a gap we will firstly notify you verbally that everything has been confirmed and this will followed by formal confirmation in the form of an e mail or text confirmation.

When can I cancel a booking?
A booking is a binding contract and once you have made it you are obliged to carry it out. Unless there is a valid and important reason such as illness or a family bereavement we expect you to undertake your bookings. Where a situation arises that requires you have to cancel the booking, we will try to find someone else to cover your booking for you. Cancellation with less than 5 days notice should be avoided wherever possible. Finding a replacement within this time scale can often prove impossible and the consequences for our customer are very serious. In some cases we are charged by our clients for cancelling bookings and unfortunately we have to pass this charge on to you.

Is a company likely to cancel on me?
It is unfortunate but it does happen, our clients try to avoid cancelling at short notice, it is normally advance bookings that seem to be cancelled and we have little control over this. However, we do endeavour to find you alternative work as quickly as possible

Do I get paid for working through lunch
Unfortunately most companies don't pay you for the lunch hour if the shop closes. Sometimes it can be agreed in advance under special circumstances. If you are working in a Pharmacy and it is very busy and you want to work through your lunch to catch up, call the office and we will ask the customer if it is ok to do so. Where a shop is open through the lunch you are allowed to take time out to say 15 minutes to go and get a sandwich but you must return to the store and be on site thereafter. Any lunch arrangements will be indicated on your e-mail confirmation of the booking.

How can I check car-parking availability at the shops I will be visiting?
This information is limited within our database at the moment but we have found the best way to check is to put the Postcode of the store you are going to into www.multimap.com and from useful information tick car parks, this will then show the car parks in the area and if you then click on the P sign on the map you can access www.carparks4u.com which gives you details of the cost and so on.

I haven't been paid for a shift I worked what can I do?
As a busy professional you may not have time to deal with such problems, this where we can help. All you need to do is contact us via the link on our website or by telephone. So long as you can tell us the details of the shift and what you feel the problem is such as non payment, underpayment or no mileage paid, we will contact the client and resolve the problem for you

Clients

How do I Register?
We ask that you ring us to discuss your requirements and we can ask the relevant questions we need to know, so we can find the most suitable locum to provide cover for you.

How far ahead can I plan my Locum cover for holidays and so on?
As far ahead as you wish. It is a good idea to always plan ahead where possible as Locum cover can be difficult to arrange at short notice in the busy periods of the year like the summer. But even if it is short notice always ring us.

How can I be sure you will send a fully qualified Locum Pharmacist?
We use a thorough registration process in which our Locums' must provide us with documentation proving they are able to act as Pharmacist, that they have the relevant accreditations. If required they are permitted to work in this country in accordance with Border agency regulations. We also check with the RPSGB as to the status of each Pharmacist and where appropriate references are taken up.

The locum I had at my store was not as good as expected, what can I do?
It is disappointing when a locum does not come up to expectations and we as agency would like to know if this is the case. We always appreciate feedback both positive and negative as it gives us a good indication of how a locum is performing, where possible we discuss any feedback with locums so they can learn from their mistakes and conversely receive praise where it is due.

What if I need to cancel a booking?
If your circumstances change with more than 4 weeks before the booking date you can cancel and we will not charge you our agency fee. We suggest that you don't cancel any bookings with less than 4 weeks notice. If this becomes unavoidable please contact us by telephone.