Understanding the Real Reasons Behind UK Locum Optoemtry Shift Rate Decline
As a locum, you might have noticed fluctuations in your pay rate, and it's crucial to understand the underlying reasons. Here are the four real reasons why your locum rate might be getting hammered:
- NHS Influence on Minimum Rates
The NHS plays a significant role in influencing the minimum rate through the amount of GOS fees. Ideally, higher GOS fees should translate to higher minimum rates. However, it's up to us to advocate for these changes, not the NHS. - The Optician Store's Role
Optician stores are the ones who receive payment for your work and subsequently decide your share. Let's delve deeper into this aspect. - Covered in the Next Post
- Covered After That
The Optician Store: A Closer Look
a) Something For Nothing
Optician stores aim to minimize their expenses, including what they pay you for your services. It's a business strategy. Their income comes from the NHS and private patients, and they operate within a budget. Larger companies typically have bigger budgets and can afford to pay more, thanks to economies of scale and a broader patient base. In contrast, family-run independents operate on tighter budgets.
As locums, if we accept lower pay, it's a choice we make. Stores are testing how low you'll go. It's time to stop settling for less.
b) You Don't Make Yourself Urgent
Urgency can significantly impact your pay. The more urgent your availability, the higher your pay. Booking jobs far in advance reduces urgency, allowing stores to find cheaper alternatives. If you want premium pay, you need to demand a premium deadline.
c) Agencies Are Your Silent Competitor
Locum agencies aim to maximize their fees by charging stores as much as possible. This often results in a decrease in your locum rate. Agencies are negotiating not just for you but against you, taking a larger portion of the store's budget.
Your rate is influenced by more than just supply and demand. It's affected by the store's budget, your negotiating skills, and the agency's fees. Education is crucial in navigating these challenges and securing pay that aligns with inflation rather than diminishing.
Stay tuned for the next posts where we will cover the remaining factors affecting your locum rate.
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