The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 269 No 7227 p810
7 December 2002

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Letters to the Editor

Locum pharmacy

Supply and demand cannot be the only determinant

From Mr H. P. S. Khara, MRPharmS

As a locum, I would like to say in response to your news feature on how much a locum is worth (PJ, 30 November, p773) that the majority of agents and locums have worked hard to relieve the pressures of the fallow year shortfall, and been of invaluable worth to managers, contractors and the public.

Flexibility, variation and independence, rather than financial gain, are probably the main reasons more pharmacists are deciding to work as locums. The experiences gained from working in over 40 different shops this year are incalculable. Employers benefit in that there is no National Insurance to pay, no obligation to pay sick or holiday pay, pension or redundancy pay. For the locum there is a risk of not finding work or being unable to work, having sometimes to travel at short notice. Being a locum is not for everyone, and one must weigh the pros and cons.

That a multiple may introduce a low flat rate irrespective of experience and quality seems insulting. This would penalise all locums, and destroy many good working relationships. Most locums know that tomorrow's booking will rely on their work today and that it is, therefore, a mistake to charge "extortionate" rates.

Supply and demand cannot be the only rate determinant. A locum working a 300+ items/day health centre and dealing with homes and addicts would not expect to be remunerated at the same rate as one dispensing 100 items. If we are valued only by demand, as suggested by flat rates, I think many locums would then be hoping to see an end to contract limitation or to even seek alternative paths. Flexibility in rates does vary greatly, company to company, and multiple to multiple. It can probably be assumed that such action would result in a redistribution of the more experienced locums, and possibly an irreparable loss of goodwill.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that there seems to be a larger than usual number of foreign pharmacists being enticed into the country on short-term contracts. Imported cheap labour is not a new idea. Since an escalation of any such trend would undoubtedly affect the livelihoods of British pharmacists it would be interesting to hear the views of other members. Who knows? This time next year I may have to accept bookings in sunny Madrid.

Harpreet Khara
Coventry

Locums provide considerable savings for employers

From Mr M. L. Hutton, MRPharmS

I read with interest the article on the worth of a locum pharmacist (PJ, 30 November, p773). The demands made upon a pharmacist over the years have grown both professionally and commercially with expectations demanded all too often without financial benefit.

The great debate of supervision rolls on — will pharmacists be required on-site eventually, and will a pharmacist be able to supervise numerous pharmacies via a CCTV system? Ridiculous? Or a probability.

Years of study to attain a degree, preregistration year and commitment to continuing education in personal time, meetings, committees and time spent "representing" the profession with the public, voluntary groups, media and fellow professionals are valued at what? One company believes £17 per hour, another £22, to another a determination to "not be held to ransom to pay extortionate rates for locum cover".

Locums are only paid for the work they do. They get no holiday pay, no company pension contributions or employer National Insurance contributions, no sick pay, no company benefits, no staff discount and no bonus payments. These added together make a considerable saving to pharmacies requiring locums' services.

There are pharmacists who carry out locum work in addition to their usual pharmacy employment, which brings "reduced rate" income to their salaries to pay for holidays etc. Some pharmacists travel to the United Kingdom to work because of restrictive conditions of employment or political unrest in their home countries and their pharmaceutical services are provided at reduced rates in order to obtain work permits and employment. These factors can devalue the services of a locum pharmacist whose livelihood depends upon having locum work throughout the year.

A good locum — professional, accountable and reliable — is a valuable asset for any pharmacy and should not be devalued to the detriment of the profession, the locum or National Health Service contracts for provision of pharmaceutical services. What is a pharmacist worth? A lot more than he or she is paid.

Mark Hutton
Lincoln

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