Does it still pay to be a Locum GP?
Despite changes to IR35 in April 2017, the vast majority of Locum sessions are deemed outside IR35. Following HMRC’s guidlines on IR35, a Locum GP should be classified outside IR35, however, since the changes came in, the responsibility has fallen on the shoulders of the client to decide whether or not this is the case. This has resulted in some clients unwilling to take any risk on the matter and going for the default option. There are many advantages to being a Locum GP and many GPs report that it’s a lifestyle choice with money being a secondary factor. Some GPs are still willing to work inside IR35 because there is a lot more to being a Locum GP than the take home pay. GP Hourly Rates are also at an all time high with demand continuing to increase throughout 2019. It is our view that being a Locum GP remains a highly attractive option.
What rate should I expect to get be getting as a Locum GP in the London Area?
The average rate when going direct came out to be £94.64/hour (Call it £95!) in 2019 according to the data supplied by our Pairoo Data Analysts. If you are getting a rate significantly below that then it may be worth re-negotiatiating your existing arrangement. Negotiating a fair rate with your client can be an awkward conversation to have. Consider using data available (such as the above) to prove your case and use the fact you go direct, thus saving on agency fees, to justify your request. GPs are in high demand and a significant portion of vacancies remain unfilled so don’t be reluctant to seek a fair deal. Of course money isn’t everything and saving lives is what really matters as a GP, there are bound to be additional factors to consider such as the distance of the practice, working hours, number and type of patients as well as it’s relevance to your speciality.
How much do rates vary across London?
The typical variance from the average was £6.50/hour, so you should be all accounts expect to comfortably be getting paid over £88/hour as a Locum GP in the London area. Of course longer term roles come in at about £5/hour less due to the fact they are more in demand than the occassional shift.
Do Locum GP rates vary throughout the year?
GP Locum Rates expectidly showed an increase in the winter and summer months as demand for GPs increases ever more in the UK. The vast majority of sessions posted on the Pairoo platform were determined outside of IR35 by practices, giving GPs the flexibility to chose sessions that worked for them.
It will be interesting to see if rates keep increasing into the key winter period where demand for GPs becomes especially high and if the newly qualified GP contribute to both the demand for GPs and the average rate. Keep tuned with Pairoo for updates on this and how the rates vary throughout the London area.