How do I use the System?
It's easy, click on "register" on the left hand side menu. Select Locum or Customer as appropriate, input your preferences where indicated, read and accept the terms and conditions, and put your dates into the online diary. Our database will then match your information to a vacancy or Locum, dependant on whether you are a Locum or a Customer and we will contact you to ask if you would like to book it. You can anticipate that the bookings we make for you will suit your requirements, as your criteria will be carefully matched to those of the vacancy.

How will you contact me?
However you like. Part of the registration process involves indicating how you would like us to contact you. You can choose between email, text message or a phone call.

For Locums When can I cancel a booking?
A booking is a binding contract and once you have made it you are obliged to carry it out. Unless there is a valid and important reason we expect you to honour your bookings. If a situation arises that is unavoidable and you have to cancel the booking, we will try to find someone else to cover your booking for you. Cancellation with less than 3 days notice should be avoided at all costs. Finding a replacement within this time scale can often prove impossible and the consequences for our customer are very serious.

Is a company likely to cancel on me?
Some companies occasionally cancel. If they do we will work hard to find an alternative place for you.

Do I get paid for working through lunch?
Generally no. Most companies don't pay you for the lunch hour if the shop closes. Sometimes it can be agreed in advance under special circumstances. If you are working in a Pharmacy and it is very busy and you want to work through your lunch to catch up, call the office and we will ask the customer if it is ok to do so. The lunch arrangements will be indicated on your on-line diary.

What if I don't want to work in busy shops?
Part of the registration process involves indicating the maximum number of items that you are willing to process in a day. Our database will automatically select you for vacancies that meet your criteria. (This is a facility that is being added over a period of time as the information from customers becomes available)

How much work is available?
We have a shortage of Pharmacists in this country. Therefore, there is generally plenty of work available for Locum Pharmacists. Demand for Locums tends to reduce at certain times, especially in November (the best time for you to go on your holidays), but for most of the year demand is high. Summertime is the busiest time of year when Managers go on holiday. It's best to book ahead so that you know you have work. Most of our clients try to book a few months in advance and many of our Independent Pharmacies like to get cover for their holidays well in advance too, so put your dates onto the diary and book ahead.

How much will I get paid?
It's up to you how much you charge. You can put your hourly rate onto your personal page. You can put a different rate for weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, evenings and emergencies. If you find that you don't get many offers, you may have pitched your rate too high. You can change the hourly rate whenever you like. To find out the current industry standard rate, please contact the office on 0845 223 5 224 (local rate).

I'm not getting any job offers!! Why not?
It may be that your criteria need widening. If you have said that you will only travel 3 miles and won't work in a shop that does more than 50 items in a day it is unlikely that you will get many offers. Likewise, if you haven't done MUR & Repeat Dispensing, you may not get many offers if our customers have said that they require it.

How can I check car-parking availability at the shops I will be visiting? This information will be available in your diary for each booking made for you, along with other useful information like the telephone number and opening hours. (This is a facility that is being added over a period of time as the information from customers becomes available

You haven't filled my vacancy!! Why not?
It may be a very busy period. Fridays, Saturdays, Easter, Christmas, Half Term, Eid, St Patrick's day etc. all tend to be very busy times of the year. Think about the criteria that you gave us when you registered and see if anything can be changed to widen the search net. For example will the Locum need to be EHC accredited on that day? Is MUR essential that day? Please contact the office if you are worried. 0845 223 5 224 (local rate).

How will I know when my vacancy has been filled?
You will be notified by the method you chose at registration, text message, e mail or phone call, and of course you can check your on-line diary. You will be able to see the name of the Locum we have booked. If you have any concerns give us a call. 0845 223 5 224 (local rate).

What if I need to cancel a booking?
If your circumstances change with more than 4 weeks before the booking date you can cancel and we will not charge you our agency fee. We suggest that you don't cancel any bookings with less than 4 weeks notice. If this becomes unavoidable please contact us by telephone. 0845 223 5 224 (local rate).

How can I be sure you will send a fully qualified Locum Pharmacist?
We use a thorough registration process in which our Locums' qualification documentation is checked and references taken up.

How far ahead can I plan my Locum cover for holidays?
As far as you like! It is a good idea to plan ahead as Locum cover can be difficult to arrange at short notice in the busy holiday season.