From Mr D. M. Blake, MRPharmS
SIR,-Thank you for publishing my letter and Mr Hulme's reply (PJ, August 19, p264).
May I please be allowed to respond by pointing out to Mr Hulme that some "other employers of locum pharmacists" actually pay 28p per mile and that at least one of the "other companies" will not pay up to 20 miles one way, but that once the 20 miles has been exceeded, the full mileage is paid.
Mr Hulme also states that an employee must expect to pay some or all of his or her travel expenses. An employee is totally different from a locum. If I were an employee of Moss Pharmacy or any other company for that matter, I would not expect any payment for travel, but as a locum, it is an essential part of the contract.
I have refused all further work for Moss Pharmacy. If all locums did the same, then perhaps the company would change its policy.
D. M. Blake
Borehamwood, Hertfordshire