What is a direct Locum?
Direct Locums are self employed Pharmacists who seek work of their own accord, and look after their own diaries. They can find out about job vacancies at The Co-operative Pharmacy through one of our Locum Co-ordinators, either by email at Locums@co-operative.coop or by calling 01706 202 051 or 01706 202055.
What are the advantages of working as a direct locum?
There are a number of benefits:
• The advantage of first refusal on available branches before they are given to other parties.
• A better chance of gaining regular work.
• Opportunity for a steady income.
• Continuity of work even in winter.
• Work that meets your requirements.
• Know ingin advance when and where you are working.
• Allows you to build relationships with customers and staff.
• Working for a company that is owned by its members.
How, when and what will I be paid for my locum services?
All locums are paid via BACS (Bank Automated Clearing System) directly to your bank or building society account. You are paid on the Friday a fortnight after the day you work, i.e. if you work on Tuesday of week 1, you will be paid on the Friday of week 3. Remittance Advice slips are sent out once the money has been sent to your account. This allows you to allocate your funds and keep tabs on your payments. It is also invaluable when completing your end of year accounts or passing details on to your accountant. All our locums receive highly competitive rates. The rate is agreed when you take a booking with our scheduling co-ordinators.
Would I get any travelling allowance?
We currently pay mileage of 28 pence per mile however the first 20 miles of the total journey will be deducted. All our expense forms are available on our intranet and can be downloaded in-branch. We request that locums provide a valid VAT receipt (or copy) when submitting expense claims, as we are eligible to claim VAT on any expenses submitted.
What about any other expenses?
We may provide overnight accommodation at times, in selected regions, if agreed at the time of booking. Where a locum is required to work a block booking, from a few days to several weeks or months, accommodation may be provided. We may pay for bus or train fare so long as this is agreed at the time of booking and an appropriate receipt is also provided.
If I have worked through an agency in the past will that affect my chances of getting work directly?
Locums who have never worked for us before can take direct bookings, as can those who have previously worked directly with The Co-operative Pharmacy or an acquisition of The Co-operative Pharmacy. If you were introduced to The Co-operative Pharmacy through an Agency and still work through that Agency you will need to continue to take any bookings via the Agency. If you are no longer working through an Agency you are welcome to book directly with us.
What do I do if I have had change in circumstances (i.e. change of contact details)?
It is important that you keep all your records up-to-date, so that you can benefit from receiving up-to-date information from the Scheduling Team on any gaps in your area and so that your fees and expenses can be promptly paid and remittance slips posted. You can amend your records by contacting the Locum Admin Team at:
Email: Locums@co-operative.coop
Tel: 01706 202 051 or 01706 202055
What do we expect from locums when they are working in The Co-operative branches?
We expect you to deliver the exceptional standards of service our customers have come to expect. Apart from that, our expectations are quite simple: that you to arrive punctually, that you be professional in appearance, and that you understand and comply with our processes and procedures. You must also be accredited for Repeat Dispensing and MURs.
I’m not MUR* accredited - is that a problem?
We will always give preference to MUR-accredited pharmacists, as it fits in with our approach and business strategy.
How do I register to work as a locum for The Co-operative Pharmacy?
You can call or email the Locum Admin Team for a starter pack which contains everything you need.
Email: Locums@co-operative.coop
Tel: 01706 202 051 or 01706 202 055
Fax: 01706 869 116
Once I am registered how do I get booked to work as a Locum?
Once you have registered, your details will be passed on to the relevant Scheduling
Co-ordinator for the region you are interested in. They will get back in touch with you to check your availability. Alternatively, you can ring the Locum Admin Team on 01706 202051 or 01706 202055 and they will put you through to the Co-ordinator for the region.
Once your booking has been agreed with the Co-ordinator, you will be sent an email confirmation.
Who do I contact if I become available for more Locum work?
You will need to contact the Scheduling Co-ordinator for the region you work in. If you do not know who this person is, you can call the admin team who will be able to put you through to the right person.
I am interested in a permanent position with The Co-operative Pharmacy. Where do I obtain further information?
You are already in the right place. Everything you need to know about becoming either an employed branch manager or pharmacist is on this website.
How do you communicate with your locums?
We know that keeping our locums up to date with our business is important. That is why we produce our newsletter, The Locum Times, which appears quarterly. It keeps you updated, both with professional requirements and with the latest information from around the business that affects you and the valuable work you do in our branches. This newsletter is only sent to locums who are currently undertaking bookings in our branches.
What are the benefits of working as a locum for The Co-operative Pharmacy?
Unlike other businesses, we co-ordinate everything from just one central office, meaning you will not be passed around from Glossop to Gloucester! It also means we offer more choice and pay faster.