Everything Locum

Being a locum can be very daunting and continuing to locum can be very stressful. We want the process to be as stress-free as possible for you, which is why we’ve put this page together with some useful information that will hopefully put your mind at ease.

I want to locum

Locumming can be a daunting step no matter how prepared you are.

There are a few things you need to know if you want to be a locum, most of them are positive but there are some things to be mindful of…

Positives

Higher hourly/daily rates compared to a permanent role

Work Flexibility – you can choose when you work and when you take a holiday

Experience different working environments

Work and Travel

Be mindful of

Lack of work – you might not always get work in a commutable distance or at the practices you like so, sometimes you might have to travel further or work somewhere you don’t enjoy.

IR35 – more details can be found on the other tab.

Booking work yourself – if you invoice a practice directly you need to be aware that some practices don’t pay weekly some pay monthly or quarterly this is why a lot of locums use agencies that pay weekly.

Canceling early – as a locum you have the flexibility to book shifts as you please, just know that the practices have the same flexibility with you and if the business is slow or they hire another locum or permanent candidate they can cut your booking short.

IR35

What Is IR35?

IR35 known as the off-payroll working rules can apply if a worker (sometimes known as a contractor) provides their services through their own limited company or another type of intermediary to the client. Although this is new to the Vet industry, IR35 has been around for over 20 years.

You can find more information on IR35 on the gov.uk website.

What Does This Mean For You?

As a veterinary nurse (RVN) or vet, this mostly affects you for working with corporate practices and hospitals across the UK. Almost all of the corporately owned practices across the UK have stopped working with contractors (locums) through limited companies. This means that if you wish to work with them you must do so through their payroll (PAYE) or through an approved umbrella company.

CEST Tool

CEST or Check Employment Status for Tax is a tool that practices will use when hiring a locum to check if you (contractor) fall inside or outside IR35. You as the locum can use this tool but please know that the client takes all legal responsibility should you get it wrong which is why corporate companies are saying no to limited companies.

More information on the CEST Tool can be found here.

Why Use Tempus?

We are in constant contact with practices across the UK, we know about jobs before everyone else

Guaranteed Weekly Pay

Paperless/Online Timesheets

We know what you should be charging

We manage all the paperwork

Because of our repeat business with practices, the booking process is quicker, no more checking your phone on your lunch break!

Our offices are open from 9am to 10.30pm so you will always reach a consultant.

We have a friendly, knowledgeable team here to offer advice, support and to find you the jobs you want!