Over the next 8 weeks, we will be exploring everything you need to know about locum veterinary work in the UK. Whether you’re considering locuming for the flexibility, variety, or as a chance to explore different practices, this series will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what is involved. From getting started as a locum, to the unique benefits and challenges along the way, each post will offer valuable insight and tips to help you navigate and thrive as a locum. Stay tuned as we explore every aspect of locum veterinary work and provide you with the tools to make the most of your locum career.
So, You Want to Be a Locum…
If you’re considering a career as a locum vet in the UK, you’re probably curious about how it works, what the benefits are, and how you can get started. Locum veterinary work is becoming an increasingly popular option for many vets, whether they are seeking flexibility, variety, or the opportunity to experience different practice environments. However, while it offers numerous advantages, it also presents a unique set of challenges.
In this blog series, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of locum veterinary work in the UK, including everything you need to know. We’ll cover the advantages and challenges you may face, and how the demand for locum vets varies across regions and specialities. Plus, we’ll share real-life testimonials from experienced locum vets to help you understand what to expect from this rewarding, yet sometimes challenging career choice.
What is Locum Veterinary Work?
Locum veterinary work refers to temporary, usually short-term, positions. You might be filling in for regular staff who are on annual leave, helping out during busy periods, or covering while a practice searches for a new permanent vet. As a locum vet, you’ll have the chance to work in a variety of settings, from small independent practices to larger emergency clinics and hospitals. Locum work offers the flexibility to choose your working hours, locations, and types of practice, providing a refreshing change from traditional permanent roles.
Locum positions can last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the needs of the practice. Whether you’re covering maternity leave, providing relief during a veterinary shortage, or simply taking on shifts that fit into your schedule, locum work offers a unique opportunity to build experience, explore new areas of veterinary medicine, and balance your professional and personal life in ways that a permanent role may not.
“I’ve been working as a locum for over three years now, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience. The flexibility to choose when and where I work has been a game-changer for my work-life balance. I’ve worked at a variety of practices, from busy city clinics to more rural settings, and I’ve gained so much diverse experience. The best part is that I never get bored—there’s always something new to learn!”
Dr. Emily H, Locum Small Animal Vet
Advantages of Becoming a Locum Vet
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
- One of the biggest draws of locum work is the flexibility it offers. You can choose when and where you work, making it ideal for those who want to balance personal commitments, travel, or family life. Some locums choose to work part-time or only during specific seasons, allowing them to take extended breaks when needed.
Variety and New Experiences
- Working as a locum vet exposes you to a diverse range of practices, colleagues, and cases. Whether you’re handling routine check-ups at a small animal clinic or performing emergency surgeries at a hospital, locum work helps you broaden your clinical experience and expertise.
Higher Pay
- Although locum vets don’t receive the same benefits as permanent staff (such as paid holidays or sick leave), their hourly or daily rates are considerably higher, reflecting the temporary nature of the work. This can make locum work an attractive option for those looking to increase their earnings.
Opportunity for Networking and Professional Growth
- As a locum, you’ll have the chance to build relationships with a wide variety of colleagues and employers, expanding your professional network. This can lead to future job opportunities, valuable mentorship, and a more dynamic career.
Control Over Your Career Path
- Locum work can give you the freedom to specialise in areas that interest you. If you’re keen to work in emergency care, exotics, or surgery, you can focus your locum work around these specific fields, gaining niche experience and expertise.
Challenges of Becoming a Locum Vet
Lack of Job Security
- Unlike permanent roles, locum work can come with less stability. While there are usually plenty of locum opportunities, there may be periods where work is scarce, and securing new contracts may take time. Some locums find it requires a lot of proactive searching and networking to keep a steady flow of work.
Frequent Change in Work Environments
- Adapting to different clinics, teams, and working cultures can be challenging. Every practice has its own ways of doing things, and as a locum, you must quickly adapt to new environments and work styles, which can be stressful for some.
No Employee Benefits
- Locum work generally doesn’t come with the benefits of permanent employment, such as paid holidays, pension contributions, or sick leave. This can make it more difficult to plan financially or take extended breaks without sacrificing income.
Isolation
- While locum work offers variety, it can also feel isolating. You may not build long-term relationships with colleagues or clients, and the temporary nature of your role may sometimes leave you feeling disconnected from the practice. For some vets, the lack of a permanent team can be a challenge.
“The biggest challenge for me as a locum in the countryside has been adapting to different practice environments and the occasional isolation. However, the perks of choosing my hours and having more freedom to travel have made it worth it. In my line of work, there’s a constant demand for locums, particularly in rural areas, so I’ve always had work lined up.”
Dr. Jack T, Locum Farm Vet
The Demand for Locum Vets Across Specialties and Regions
The demand for locum vets is always high in the UK, but the need can vary depending on your area of expertise and location.
Small Animal Practices: These practices are often looking for locums to cover staff holidays, sick leave, and busy periods. Small animal locums are in high demand particularly in urban areas, where practices see a larger volume of patients.
Exotics and Specialist Roles: Vets with experience in more specialist areas such as exotics, dermatology, cardiology, and surgery are also in high demand. These specialities often require locum vets with specific expertise to cover specialist clinics and hospitals.
Rural and Remote Areas: Locum opportunities in rural or remote areas can be more frequent, as practices in these locations may struggle to attract full-time staff. If you’re open to relocating for short-term contracts, this could be a great way to experience different parts of the UK while working.
Emergency and Out-of-Hours: Emergency clinics often require locum vets to cover evening and weekend shifts. The fast-paced and high-pressure environment can be both challenging and rewarding for locums seeking variety.
We hope part one of this guide has given you a clearer understanding of what locum veterinary work in the UK entails, and how it can offer flexibility, variety, and new opportunities.
If you’re considering a career as a locum vet or have questions about getting started, we’d love to hear from you! If you need any help looking for locum positions in the coming year, get in touch with the team at Vet Jobs Agency.
Be sure to check back next week for Part 2 of the series, where we’ll dive deeper into the practical steps to kickstart your locum career!