From Mr D. N. Currie, MRPharmS
SIR,—I would like to add a few points about locum travel expenses.
Regarding Lloyds, my experience is that as long as your round trip journey is
greater than 40 miles, it pays you in full plus any parking expenses —
not just for the excess as stated by Mr Hulme (PJ, August 19, p264).
In my experiences with Moss, in most cases I have been paid for all of my mileage,
again plus parking expenses where applicable. Only occasionally has the first
10 miles each way been deducted. This may be due to the fact that when I first
worked for the company, I mentioned that my mileage claim was for all miles
travelled.
Regarding locum rates, the August issue of Medeconomics distributed with MIMS
states that the British Medical Association currently suggests that locums charge
56.4p per mile and an hourly rate of £50 for the first hour and £33.50
per hour thereafter. At £16.50 per hour my fees seem rather puny. Perhaps
the National Pharmaceutical Association might like to start suggesting fees
as well.
Finally, employers should take note of the fact that locums using their cars
for business have to pay business insurance. My car insurance more than doubled
when I became self-employed.
David Currie
Dulverton, Somerset