Interviews & Locum agency Q's!

Re: Interviews & Locum agency Q's!

Liv — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 21:01:47 GMT

Thank you for the info Jonathon...that helps :)

Re: Interviews & Locum agency Q's!

Jonathan Lewis — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 17:13:17 GMT

Hello Jo/ Liv,

Locum agencies do vary how much they pay locums depending on a number of factors-

1. How experienced the locum is

2. The geographical location- generally the closer to London you are the more you can charge

3. How generous the practice is

4. How much mark up the agency are trying to make

We aim to pay locums £12+ per hour depending on the details I have mentioned above- you should not be working for less than £11. Also different times of year will change how short practices are of staff and whether they will pay more - i.e in the summer months they may well pay more as there are less locums available.

Agencies do need to make a profit- so do charge an additional amount to cover themselves- but some make more than others! No names mentioned but we know who they are. It is always worth trying to negotiate your rate (on a locum basis) or annual salary (for a permanent role)- the agency should advise you fairly on these matters. We try to balance paying you as high a rate as possible without charging the practice an extortionate rate as well.

You will be able to negotiate a higher rate if you go directly as there is no agency charge involved and practices can afford to pay you more. But you have the responsibility of arranging the locum yourself. Some locums are known in their area and therefore do not need to use an agency. Some rather to register with an agency - or agencies as is mostly the case and let them do the work for you.

Which ever route you choose- it is always worth being aware of what the fair going rate is. We have 2 sections on our website under- Getting Paid and Locum Rates, which outline examples of wages and the different ways of working as a locum.

If you would like to discuss any of these issues do feel free to call us for an informal and unbiased chat- 01291 645 871. We are always happy to assist wherever possible.

Jonathan Lewis.

Gardner Llewelyn.

[quote user="Liv"]

Just a couple of random questions...

Has anyone worked for a locum agency before, not as a locum but as an employee finding the work for locums? Does anyone have any idea of what they typically charge per day/hour on top of the locums fee?

Wanted to find locum work off my own back, but wanted to charge the practices reasonably... Any help, would be much appreciated!

Also, what is the etiquette (sp?) for interviews? Do you ask about salary on the first interview? Or are you supposed to wait until offered the job?!

Thanks in advance :)

Liv

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Re: Interviews & Locum agency Q's!

Jo Mackenzie — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 17:25:12 GMT

No problem, sorry I can't give you any more info! I would always discuss pay at the interview stage for a permanent job, that's what interviews are for - so both sides can get all the information they need to help them make a decision!

Re: Interviews & Locum agency Q's!

Liv — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 22:48:04 GMT

Ah thanks for your reply. I am charging in the same sort of region, just when my agencies contact me, for the same job they seem to offer different rates. So wondered what the one agency that insists that the practice won't pay more per hour (other agency can get a higher rate fie same position!)is actually taking home? They seem to not want to negotiate! So wondered what their cut was! In regards to the interview question, sorry I have confused things, I meant interview for a permanent position, not locum! Just don't know when's right to discuss pay! Thanks :)

Re: Interviews & Locum agency Q's!

Jo Mackenzie — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 19:09:02 GMT

I've been a locum for the last 2 years and sometimes go through an agency but get a lot of work through word of mouth too - I don't know what the agencies charge the practice but generally when I go through them I get between £10.50 - £13/hr depending on location and type of shifts etc. When I get work through word of mouth I generally ask for £12 - £15, again depending on location and shift type, and practices seem to be more than happy with that sort of range - I think it's probably still a bit cheaper for them than going through an agency. I've only been interviewed for one locum position and that was for a long-term (maternity) cover, a lot of locum work comes up on relatively short notice so there's no time to go through the interview process. I usually just tell them the amount that I'll be charging them when they contact me, and they almost always accept it, if not I will negotiate, but only a little! Hope that helps