About 5 minutes · For UK professionals · Reviewed 27 October 2026
LOCUM SHIFTS
More choice over the dates you take.
Useful when you want to fill selected days, explore a new setting or arrange a block of work. Availability and rates vary, and an application is not a guaranteed booking.
What can work well
Discuss individual dates or a block around your existing commitments.
Experience different teams before deciding where you want to settle.
Agree the rate, duties and support for a specific assignment.
What needs planning
Gaps, cancellations, travel and time spent arranging your next booking.
Who pays you, whether hours need approval, and whether an invoice is required.
Induction, escalation support and what is outside your current scope.
Useful when continuity, an agreed working pattern and a longer-term development conversation matter to you. Permanent roles can be part-time; confirm the actual rota before assuming they are less flexible.
What can work well
Build relationships and follow work through over time.
Plan around contracted hours and agreed pay arrangements.
Discuss supervision, training and progression with one employer.
What needs planning
The full rota, weekends, on-call expectations and realistic travel.
Notice, probation, leave arrangements and the complete written offer.
Whether the role gives you the support and professional scope you need.
An hourly rate and an annual salary tell different stories.
For a locum day, write down the paid hours, unpaid breaks, agreed expenses and travel time. Then consider the days you do not expect to work and any costs you will meet yourself. For a permanent offer, compare the contracted hours, rota and complete package. A higher headline rate alone does not tell you which arrangement will work better.
Locum describes the work pattern, not your legal status.
A locum engagement may involve an employee, worker or self-employed arrangement. Rights and payment obligations depend on the actual working relationship and applicable rules. Ask who engages and pays you, what deductions apply, and how holiday, sickness and other benefits are handled. Do not assume every locum must invoice or every engagement has the same benefits. Read GOV.UK guidance and Acas holiday guidance. In Northern Ireland, see nidirect employment status guidance.
You can explore both without committing to either.
For example, you might consider a permanent role with an agreed part-time pattern and selected locum dates. Or take a defined period of locum work while learning which setting suits you. Check your contract, any employer consent requirements, professional cover, rest and combined workload before combining work. Check the working-hours guidance.
A useful conversation with your recruiter
“I want three regular days, a manageable commute and support in a new area. I would also consider occasional extra dates.” That gives your recruiter something practical to work with, without forcing you into a single category.
FIVE QUICK CHOICES
What would suit your life right now?
Choose what feels closest. There is no right answer, and both routes can be worth exploring.
Before you say yes
Confirm the duties, support, location, hours, breaks, pay route and written terms. Check that the opportunity fits your current registration, competence and availability. Your recruiter can help clarify the brief before you commit.