The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7234 p153
1 February 2003

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Letters to the Editor

Locums

2003 — the year of the locum

From Mr D. M. Blake, MRPharmS

Let 2003 be the year of the locums. Refuse to work for anything less than £18.50 per hour. The multiples in particular will have to pay this not unreasonable rate once they find that nobody will work for less.

Did you also know that, according to Auto Express magazine, it costs 36p per mile to run a medium sized family car (eg, a Vauxhall Astra). Therefore a rate of 25p per mile is derisory and totally inadequate. Again, do not accept anything less than 30p per mile (you are still out of pocket) and for the whole journey, not minus the first 10 or 20 miles. If we, as locums, are prepared to travel even five miles then we should be paid accordingly and not penalised.

We should all demand prompt payment. How often have we waited up to two or three weeks to be paid. Again, the multiples are the worst offenders. If they have to rely on so many locums then they should have an office dedicated to locum payments. Payment should be made within 48 hours of completion of an engagement, whether it be daily or weekly.

Let us all "pull together" and aim to receive a remuneration commensurate with the service we provide.

David Blake
Elstree, Hertfordshire

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