Blog
TotalLocum is a leading locum pharmacy recruitment agency dealing with the recruitment of locum pharmacists for locum pharmacy work and permanent pharmacy jobs in community pharmacy across the UK.
TotalLocum covers england, wales and scotland and our pharmacy clients include superdrug pharmacy, tesco pharmacy, co-op pharmacy, rowlands pharmacy, day Lewis pharmacy, sainsbury pharmacy, asda pharmacy, morrisons pharmacy and many independents.
This is why we are a leading locum pharmacy recruitment agency for locum pharmacists.
Pharmacy First
Thursday, 15th February 2024
The Pharmacy First service, which commenced on 31st January 2024, is a crucial first step in recognising and properly funding the enormous amount of healthcare advice that community pharmacies provide to the public every day and in establishing and funding community pharmacy as the first port of call for healthcare advice.
What does the service involve?
The Advanced service involves pharmacists providing advice and NHS-funded treatment, where clinically appropriate, for seven common conditions:
sinusitis
sore throat
acute otitis media
infected insect bite
impetigo
shingles
uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
Consultations for these seven clinical pathways can be provided to patients presenting to the pharmacy as well as those referred by NHS 111, general practices and others.
Tesco rate cut from 18th July 2022
Thursday, 7th July 2022
Have you been affected by Tescos rate cut, from 18th July 2022, to your pre-agreed bookings/rate. Do not fear as there is so much available work elsewhere at much better rates so vote with your feet and register with us today! If locums accept such rate cuts then other companies will follow!!
Tesco had recently introduced a new booking system offering fantastic rates and trying to side-line agencies... now you can see why!!!! So support your agency as they ensure you get a fair and decent rate.
Locum Pharmacist Rates 2024
Monday, 28th February 2022
We have a good overview of what pharmacies really will and do pay and this has helped us resist the pushback on rates that some locums are reporting on social media.
Unfortunately for many locums they do not have the experience, time or knowledge to negotiate meaning they sell themselves very short. We think you are worth more!
We are often asked the average locum pharmacist rate. At the moment the figure stands at just over £35p/h. There is of course regional variation however we wanted to provide a target figure all locums could aim for. If you are not getting this then it might be time to review your options and to contact us £35@totallocum.co.uk
Highest paying Block Placements / Stayaways for Locum Pharmacists
Friday, 7th January 2022
£40 p/h is quite achievable as TotalLocum has 20 years experience and an overview of the entire country so we know what pharmacies really will and do pay.
Factor no daily travel or accommodation costs and it really is lucrative. Why not do it just for a few months to fund the holiday of your dreams.
Unfortunately for many locums they do not have the experience or knowledge to negotiate meaning they sell themselves very short. We think you are worth more!
So its not just financially beneficial.....
When its cold and dark outside and not much is happening at home then a change of scenery can really lift the spirts.
Many pharmacists find such jobs more interesting as it provides them with the opportunity to discover new places at their own pace. Getting away from the hometown bubble is always good for widening one's understanding. If you are the sort of the person constantly itching for exploration, then perhaps the stay away shift will suit your runaway nature. You have the opportunity to see less visited sites, staying in beautiful rural locations, coastal areas and picturesque towns.
Stayaways are a great opportunity see more of the country and get a feel for where you may want to settle in the future if that's on your agenda. You are a locum, you can live anywhere!
The commute distance is actually much shorter when working a stay away shift, as we would book you accommodation near the store.
Accommodation covered - most of the stay away jobs will pay separately for accommodation expenses. Coverage of most of the expenses to and from the job location.
Flexibility to choose the length of contract - thus one may work for a few weeks, or months. However, if needed there are always long-term options too.
Discharge Medicines Service (DMS)
Saturday, 13th February 2021
The Discharge Medicines Service (DMS) is a new Essential service which pharmacies in England must provide from 15th February 2021. NHS Trusts will be able to refer patients who would benefit from extra support with their medicines after they are discharged from hospital, to their community pharmacy. As this is an essential service, pharmacists must have the necessary knowledge and competence to undertake it safely and effectively.As a minimum, pharmacists who will provide the service should:
1) Read the section on DMS (Chapter 8) within the NHSE&I guidance on the regulations;
2) Read the DMS toolkit.
3) Additionally, it is recommended that they also complete the CPPE NHS Discharge Medicines Service eLearning and assessment.
4) Once a pharmacist has undertaken appropriate learning related to the service, they must complete the DMS Declaration of Competence and email us a copy
DBS Check only £50.80
Friday, 18th October 2019
Enhanced Disclosure & Barring service (DBS) for Locum Pharmacists:
It will be a new requirement soon that locums working for Tesco need a DBS.
Many other companies such as Boots and Lloyds already require locums to have a Enhanced Disclosure & Barring service (DBS).
We provide the CHEAPEST Enhanced DBS check for locum pharmacists of any locum agency at only £50.80. If you require an Enhanced DBS check please email DBS@totallocum.co.uk.
Blue Light Discount Card
Wednesday, 3rd February 2021
We are the discount service for the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and pharmacy, providing our members with thousands of amazing discounts online and on the high street.
For just £4.99, members of the blue light community can register for 2-years access to more than 15,000 discounts from large national retailers to local businesses across categories such as holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more.
Pharmacist temporary registration for COVID-19 emergency
Wednesday, 1st April 2020
Pharmacist temporary registration for COVID-19 emergency;
To support pharmacists who are returning to help during the Corona Virus Crisis we will be offering a fast track registration process with reduced requirements for documentations. Please register via our website as normal. However please also email Covid@totallocum.co.uk to highlight that you are returning on a temporary basis so we can advise you on how to proceed with the registration process.
Take Charge of your Emotional Well-being
Friday, 6th March 2020
Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress and would like some simple and quick techniques to recharge your mind and body?
Why not allow yourself a little break and watch these short videos to help you relax, breath and build your resilience when challenges occur.
Medito app - Their mission is to make Mindfulness and Meditation resources available to everyone, for free.
The RPSGB research shows that stress in Pharmacy is increasing so act now.... you deserve to put yourself and your Emotional Well-being at the top of your priority list.
Use it for your CPD entries and benefit you and your patients.
Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF)
Friday, 18th October 2019
CPD requirements for Locum Pharmacists
Summary of CPCF Key Requirements:
CPPE Level 2 Safeguarding for Adults and Children completed in last 2 years
CPPE Sepsis Accreditation
CPPE Risk Management Accreditation
CPPE Look A Like, Sound A Like Accreditation
Pharmacy 5 Year Plan
Friday, 18th October 2019
PSNC has developed an animation explaining how community pharmacy will fit into the NHS of the future and the Pharmacy 5 Year Plan.
The animation not only showcases the sector to stakeholders, but also describes the transformation that community pharmacy will undertake
Are you not getting as much Locum work as you would like?
Thursday, 21st November 2019
Most importantly ensure you have added requests for work onto your E-Diary as far ahead as you can otherwise we will assume you are not available!
BLOCK PLACEMENTS/ STAY AWAYS:
Are you not getting as much work as you need? Consider just one week away with excellent rates and expenses paid! So many locums find it a relaxing change from the normal routine. Lovely locations with appreciative staff. For a full list and to be alerted of new block placements please email Blocks@totallocum.co.uk.
REVIEW YOUR PREFERENCES:
Login to our website and click on 'preferences' tab and click on 'edit your profile'. Please ensure your preferences match your own requirements and keep them updated as necessary. NB travelling distance is 'as the crow flies'. Once you have reviewed the below please feel free to email work@totallocum.co.uk and we can provide assistance.
Remember that we will not automatically offer you work outside these preferences even if only by a small margin e.g. Requesting £25.50 as a minimum rate will mean you are not offered jobs for £25.00 even if close to home.
Mileage: Please input the maximum miles you would travel, each way, on a daily basis as the crow flies.
Minimum acceptable mileage rate: Most companies pay 25 or 28ppm and hence you receive more offers if you input 25ppm. If you Locum in London we suggest entering zero as some companies do not pay mileage.
Minimum Rate: Most companies for standard advanced bookings pay £25-35 weekdays and £30-45 Sats and £30-40 for Sundays depending on the area
Working Hours: Stores can open at 06.00 to 24.00 (midnight) so inputting 06:00 - 24:00 will give you the most offers
Min/Max Acceptable working Hours: Many locum use 6-14 hours.
Support: Inputting 'No' will give you the most offers. Generally busy stores will have support anyway and we can always check before booking if requested.
Stores you do not want to work for: If you click on 'Preferences' and then 'edit employment history' you can mark off stores you would not work in, stores you prefer not to work in (only offered a few weeks in advance) and stores you love (you will be preferentially selected for these stores).
Click the calendar tab and input any dates that you have available and also any dates for which you are on holiday or for which you have already made bookings ('other') so you can view all your commitments in one screen. We will not contact you regarding work until you have advised us of your available dates via the web site.
Registration with TotalLocum - Additional Guidance
Thursday, 21st November 2019
PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY TO WORK FOR NON EU NATIONALS OR IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN EU PASSPORT:
Either ONE of the documents listed in LIST 1 below, or TWO documents in the combinations specified in LIST 2 below.
LIST 1:
- A United Kingdom passport describing the holder as a British citizen or as a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies having the right of abode in the United Kingdom.
- A passport containing a certificate of entitlement issued by or on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom, certifying that the holder has the right of abode in the United Kingdom.
- A passport or national identity card, issued by a State which is a party to the European Economic Area Agreement or any other agreement forming part of the Communities Treaties which confers rights of entry to or residence in the United Kingdom, which describes the holder as a national of a State which is a party to that Agreement.
- A United Kingdom residence permit issued to a national of a State which is a party to the European Economic Area Agreement or any other agreement forming part of the Communities Treaties which confers rights of entry to or residence in the United Kingdom.
- A passport or other travel document or a residence document issued by the Home Office which is endorsed to show that the holder has a current right of residence in the United Kingdom as the family member of a named national of a State which is a party to the European Economic Area Agreement or any other agreement forming part of the Communities Treaties which confers rights of entry to or residence in the United Kingdom, and who is resident in the United Kingdom.
- A passport or other travel document endorsed to show that the holder is exempt from immigration control, has indefinite leave to enter, or remain in, the United Kingdom or has no time limit on his stay.
- A passport or other travel document endorsed to show that the holder has current leave to enter, or remain, in the United Kingdom and is permitted to take self-employed work
- A Registration Card which indicates that the holder is entitled to take self-employment in the United Kingdom.
LIST 2:
If the family name or other personal details on the two documents do not match then further proof of the reason for any difference between the two documents must be produced. This should be in the form of a marriage certificate, divorce document, deed poll, adoption certificate or statutory declaration.
FIRST COMBINATION:
A - A document issued by a previous employer, Inland Revenue, the Department for Work and Pensions' Jobcentre Plus, the Employment Service, the Training and Employment Agency (Northern Ireland) or the Northern Ireland Social Security Agency, which contains the National Insurance number of the person named in the document; and
one of the following documents from (B- H)
B - a birth certificate issued in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Ireland which specifies the names of the holder's parents; or
C - a birth certificate issued in the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Ireland; or
D - a certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen; or
E - a letter issued by the Home Office, to the holder, which indicates that the person named in it has been granted Indefinite Leave to Enter or Remain in the United Kingdom; or
F - an Immigration Status Document issued by the Home Office, to the holder, endorsed with a United Kingdom Residence, which indicates that the holder has been granted Indefinite Leave to Enter or Remain in the United Kingdom; or
G - a letter issued by the Home Office, to the holder, which indicates that the person named in it has subsisting leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom and is entitled to take self-employment in the United Kingdom; or
H - an Immigration Status Document issued by the Home Office, to the holder, endorsed with a United Kingdom Residence Permit, which indicates that the holder has been granted Limited Leave to Enter or Remain in the United Kingdom and is entitled to take self-employment in the United Kingdom.
SECOND COMBINATION:
A - A work permit or other approval to take self-employment issued by Work Permits UK; and either
B - a passport or other travel document endorsed to show that the holder has current Leave to Enter, or Remain in the United Kingdom and is permitted to take the self-employment in question;
OR
C - a letter issued by the Home Office to the holder, confirming the same.