Becoming a Locum Pharmacist

As the popularity of the 100-hour pharmacy contract increases, there are more and more vacancies for pharmacists of all types and even more demand for locum pharmacists. And this requirement is further increased by the new Responsible Pharmacist legislation which will be coming into effect in October 2009. All of which means that you might well be thinking about moving from full time employment and becoming a locum instead.

This more flexible arrangement means that, to a certain extent, you can choose when, where and for how long you work - and subsequently, how much holiday you can take! 

You are also free from internal politics and can often find yourself in situations where you are learning new things and gaining valuable experience of different pharmacy environments while you work. 

But the decision to become a locum brings with it a whole range of other questions, as it is very different from being employed as a pharmacist, and there are many other factors to consider.

In fact, contractors almost always earn more than their employed counterparts, which is only fair considering the loss of holiday pay, sick pay, pensions and other employee benefits. Our online take home pay calculator can show you how much more you could earn by contracting through your own limited company

The first step is to decide how you will operate - the two most common options being to work through an umbrella company or to set up and form a limited company. 

If you do choose to set up a limited company, SJD Accountancy can give you a wealth of information and advice - as well as providing a low cost fixed-fee accountancy service which has been developed specifically for contractors. 

If you have any question about contracting or would like any further advice please call our New Client Services helpdesk on 0500 152 500 or email jaime.thorpe@sjdaccountancy.com.

SJD Accountancy is the UK's largest specialist provider of fixed fee, limited company accountancy services to contractors and freelancers. We've been acting for clients across the UK since 1992 and have more than 10,000 already.

We are the only national specialist firm of accountants with offices in all major UK cities, so you’ll never be far from your accountant. SJD also has more qualified staff than any other firm in our market, with qualifications from the following major tax and accountancy bodies - ATII, ATT, ACCA, CA, ACA, FCCA, ACMA. You’ll also be pleased to know that we are one of the lowest priced as well. All of our clients receive:

• Free face-to-face meetings. This is another unique service, only SJD offers free face to face meetings - tax is complicated and sometimes only a meeting will do.
• Unlimited access to your own dedicated accountant. No call centres, no outsourcing, no automated call handling. Simply telephone, email or meet your own dedicated accountant face to face.
• Money back service guarantee. All your telephone calls and emails will be answered the same day or we will refund your monthly fee.
• Outstanding reputation. We have won more awards for customer service and accountancy excellence than any other firm in our market.

We offer an all inclusive low cost monthly package which includes completion of accounts, payroll bureau, dividends and corporation tax computations, personal taxation, free bookkeeping software, unlimited access to your accountant and all company returns.

All this for a fixed monthly fee of £95 plus VAT, which is one of the lowest prices in the market.

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

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