Locum GP

A Locum GP is defined as one who temporarily takes the place of another GP. Locums are usually self-employed and paid fees for their work. They are sometimes referred to as freelance GPs. A self-employed locum GP has a contract for services rather than a contract of service (which would be the case for a salaried GP). Locum GPs can operate in many different ways including as sole traders, by joining a locum agencies or a web-based platform, as part of formal partnerships or other group arrangements (eg ‘chambers’). Being self-employed they would not expect to receive the same benefits as permanent contracted GPs (eg holiday pay, sick pay, maternity/ paternity pay) but this should be factored in when determining locum fees. As with other self-employed workers, they will not have income protection, unless they take out their own personal insurance. You can find out more by reading the BMA’s Locum GP handbook here and you can read some of the advantages and disadvantages of being a locum GP here

On the Island, we have partnered with Lantum to create a digital workforce bank which makes it easier for Locum GPs and practices to find and match sessional work.

If you are already a GP Locum and looking for the next step in your journey you might want to consider some of the following options (click on each to find out more):