Flexibility or Stability – weighing up Locum work vs salaried

By Amanda Hargreaves

As a General Practitioner (GP), you have the flexibility to choose between working in a Salaried position or working as a locum.

Each offers unique advantages and challenges.  Many GPs will move between the two at different points in their careers. Whether you’re considering a switch from salaried to locum or locum to salaried, or you are a newly qualified GP, here are some pro’s and con’s of each to consider before making your choice.

Before switching roles, consider your motivations and be clear what you are looking for.  Your career and personal goals will help work out which is better suited to you.  You could be looking for better work life balance, more time off, a change of pace, higher income, career growth, more time to study & develop specialisms, more variety.

Salaried GP Roles:

Pro’s

• Job security
• Reliable Income
• Opportunity to offer continuity of Care and build long-term relationships with patients
• Opportunities for Professional Development within a practice
• Paid Annual Leave, sick pay and other benefits
• Career Progression – Opportunity to take on more responsibility and work as a lead clinician or take on different roles within a practice or PCN
• Practices will often support your interests and specialisms allowing you to develop these skills

Con’s

• Less variety in the role – often working with the same demographic
• Less Flexibility with hours and time off
• Increased workload / Increased expectation especially around practice administration
• Potential burnout from long-term work demands

Locum GP roles:

Pro’s

• Greater flexibility in terms of scheduling and location
• Able to holiday when you want
• More diversity – exposure to different GP practices
• Opportunity to experience different clinical skills
• Higher day rates than salaried roles
• Ability to choose whether you offer to support with practice admin or home visits and Duty rota’s (although in today’s climate being more flexible will increase locum opportunities)

Con’s

• Lack of stability and no job security – Need to budget and plan ahead for quieter times
• No paid leave, sick pay or benefits
• Additional pressures and stress/anxiety can be caused by lack of work
• Seeing different patients all the time with little opportunity to offer continuity of care
• Admin can take longer understanding different practices workflows and referral systems. Not always obvious who to go to for certain things
• Requirement to keep all mandatory training up to date as well as Indemnity and DBS checks
• Increased administrative burden including:
  • Managing own taxes and invoicing
  • Having to complete multiple compliance processes for different practices/agencies
  • Need to manage your diary effectively so you don’t miss bookings
• Need to network effectively to increase work opportunities
• You could feel more isolated and lonely

No one-size fits all 

There’s no one-size-fits-all career path for GPs. Permanent and locum roles each have their strengths—and many doctors alternate between them over time depending on where they are in life and what they want from a career.

Increasingly, newly qualified GPs are exploring a hybrid approach, combining elements of both. This can offer a healthy balance.  The support, training, and team environment of a salaried position, alongside some of the flexibility and variety that locum work provides.  While you may not enjoy the full freedom that comes with being a locum, it’s worth noting that locum opportunities aren’t as abundant as they once were. Relying solely on locum work can bring uncertainty and stress, especially when shifts are harder to come by.

Regardless of the path you choose, staying connected with fellow GPs is essential. Strong networks support your professional growth, help reduce feelings of isolation, and can open the door to new roles and collaborations.

Using a Recruitment Agency – the benefits 

Even if you’re not actively looking for a new role or a switch now, building a relationship with a reputable recruitment agency can be incredibly valuable.

Recruiters can offer insights into the current market—both salaried and locum opportunities—helping you understand how your current position stacks up against others. A good recruiter will take the time to understand your goals and motivations, and when the right opportunity comes along, you’ll be one of the first to know. It’s a smart way to stay informed and prepared for whatever your next step might be.

 Get in touch 

If you want to speak to us about any GP roles, get in touch with us here.