Your Complete Guide to Locum Doctor Work in the UK (2025–2026)

In the dynamic landscape of UK healthcare, locum work continues to offer doctors a compelling alternative to traditional career paths. Characterised by flexibility and variety, it allows medical professionals to take control of their schedules and careers. However, success in this field requires navigating a specific set of rules and realities.

This updated guide for 2025-2026 provides accurate information on the qualifications, financials, and professional considerations for becoming a locum doctor in the UK.

What is a Locum Doctor?

A locum doctor is a fully registered and licensed medical professional who steps into temporary roles within the NHS and private sector. These placements cover staffing gaps due to leave, vacancies, or seasonal demand. Despite their temporary status, locums hold the same General Medical Council (GMC) registration and licence to practise as their permanent colleagues and are subject to identical professional standards.

A critical clarification for junior doctors is that locum work is not an option during Foundation Year 1 (F1). F1 doctors work under provisional registration within an approved programme. The opportunity to undertake independent locum work begins only after obtaining full GMC registration, which is achieved after completing F1.

The Core Benefits: Why Choose the Locum Path?

The decision to pursue locum work is typically driven by three interconnected advantages:

1. Unmatched Flexibility & Autonomy: Locums have significant control over their work-life balance. You can choose the days you work, the length of your assignments, and often the geographical location, enabling you to prioritise personal commitments or avoid undesirable shift patterns.

2. Financial Rewards: To secure cover for essential gaps, locum roles often command higher hourly rates than substantive posts. While income varies greatly by specialty, grade, and region, the potential for higher take-home pay is a major draw. Notably, for 2025/26, NHS England has confirmed increased funding for locum reimbursement rates within General Practice, reflecting an effort to make these roles more sustainable.

3. Professional Development & Exploration: Working across multiple hospitals and departments exposes you to different clinical protocols, patient populations, and specialist teams. This is an invaluable way to broaden your clinical experience, sharpen adaptability, and explore potential specialty interests before committing to a training programme.

Essential Requirements and Pathways

Before applying for your first shift, you must ensure the following are in place:

• Full GMC Registration with a Licence to Practise: This is the non-negotiable foundation for all practice in the UK. For 2025-2026, the full registration and annual retention fee (with a licence to practise) is £463. A discounted rate of £177 may be available for doctors whose annual UK gross taxable earnings are less than the income threshold (e.g., £37,000 for 2025-2026).

• The Right to Work in the UK: You must have appropriate visa status if you are not a UK or Irish citizen.

• Medical Indemnity Insurance: You must have adequate cover in place for any clinical work you undertake.

• Revalidation Connection: All licensed doctors must revalidate every five years. This requires a formal connection to a Designated Body (like an NHS Trust) through which you undergo annual appraisals. Securing this connection is your responsibility as a locum.

• Specialist Registration (For Consultants and GPs): Locum consultant posts may not legally require specialist registration. For GP work, it is a legal requirement to be on the GP Register, in addition to holding full GMC registration.

Finding Locum Work: Banks vs. Agencies

Locum work is primarily sourced through two channels, each with distinct pros and cons.

Channel	How It Works	Key Advantages	Points to Consider
NHS Staff Banks (e.g., NHS Professionals' Doctors Direct)	An internal "bank" managed by an NHS Trust or group of Trusts. You register directly with them for shifts within their organisation.	- Often simpler onboarding for a specific Trust. - Direct relationship with the employer. - May offer first refusal on shifts before they go to agencies.	- Shifts are limited to that specific Trust or group. - Rates may be less negotiable than with agencies.
Locum Agencies	Private recruitment firms that partner with multiple NHS Trusts and private providers to fill vacancies.	- Access to a wider pool of opportunities across the UK. - Dedicated consultant to assist with compliance, negotiation, and scheduling. - Can provide support for appraisals and revalidation.	- You are employed by the agency, not the NHS. - It's crucial to choose a reputable agency with a proven NHS track record.

Navigating the Challenges: A Realistic View

The locum lifestyle comes with trade-offs that require careful management:

• Financial Planning & Lack of Benefits: Locums typically have a different benefits structure, but it is not entirely absent. After working for the same employer for 12 continuous weeks, you are legally entitled to the same core benefits as permanent employees, including statutory paid annual leave. This is often provided via 'rolled-up holiday pay'—an additional 12.07% of your pay, which must be clearly itemized on your payslip. Other benefits like sick pay may be less common for short-term roles. Proactive financial planning, including budgeting for taxes, holidays, and retirement, is essential.

• Professional Integration & Support: As the new person, you must adapt quickly to new teams, IT systems, and local protocols. While you deliver the same clinical service, you may have less access to formal teaching, mentorship, or structured career guidance available to trainees.

• Administrative Responsibility: Beyond clinical work, you are responsible for managing your own professional portfolio, appraisal documentation, and revalidation requirements. Maintaining meticulous records of your work and learning is critical.

Key Takeaways

Working as a locum in the UK can be a highly rewarding career strategy, offering freedom, financial benefit, and diverse experience. To maximise the rewards:

• Start on the Right Foot: Ensure you have full GMC registration, a revalidation connection, and the correct visa before you begin.

• Understand Your Finances: Account for the variable income and lack of employment benefits. Consider consulting a financial advisor who specialises in working with contractors or medical professionals.

• Build Your Network: Cultivate positive relationships with agencies, staff bank coordinators, and clinical teams. A good reputation is your most valuable asset.

• Own Your Development: Actively seek learning opportunities, maintain your portfolio diligently, and stay engaged with your appraiser to ensure smooth revalidation.

By approaching locum work with clear expectations, thorough preparation, and professional discipline, you can successfully navigate this flexible career path and shape a medical career that truly fits your life.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. Always consult the official General Medical Council (GMC) and NHS websites for the most current regulations, and seek independent professional advice for financial and contractual matters.