The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 272 No 7286 p185
14 February 2004

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  Which? report
  Dispensing
  Community pharmacy
  Cannabis
  Locum pay
  Mental health
  Nomenclature
  Minor ailments service
  The Society
  SOS action
  CPD
  The Charter

Letters to the Editor

Locum pay

A view from the inside

From Mr S. Lakhani, MRPharmS

What an unconsidered response was Amit Matalia’s (PJ, 31 January, p121) to Vince Summers’s letter (PJ, 17 January, p53). I conclude that Mr Matalia is part of the new breed of locums who enter the profession on the premise of earnings only.

As an established owner, I find it extremely difficult to get decent locums even when we pay above the rate paid by most multiples. I do not wish to enter into a debate on locum earnings or locum standards, but I believe Mr Matalia needs to be in a position where he is on the inside looking out, not reflecting on his earning potential.

I am also sure that any person entering from abroad is also made aware of the current locum rates available and would be unlikely to work for less since they are economic migrants, ie, they have chosen to come here because their earning potential in Britain and job security are higher.

There is also an inequality within our profession in that a newly qualified person earns the same rate as an experienced pharmacist of many years standing.

I put it to Mr Matalia to acquire my business and then to see if he could see it within his financial constraints and diminishing NHS margins to employ me a locum at the same current rates he wishes to earn, and then see if his perspective on this issue remains unchanged.

Sunil Lakhani
Harrow, Middlesex

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