Hiring a contractor for your GP practice can provide flexible, expert support during busy periods or specialised projects, helping to alleviate workload pressures and fill temporary gaps
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in SME News
Contractors can be an effective way to support your permanent staff in your GP practice, especially when managing workload peaks, special projects, or filling short-term gaps. Contractors bring in valuable expertise without the commitment of a permanent hire. If you haven’t hired one before, here’s a guide on what to consider.
Creating an Appealing Package
Contractors are often selective about the opportunities they take, so offering a competitive package is essential to attract the right talent. To ensure your offer stands out, it’s crucial to investigate what other GP practices are offering contractors, both locally and nationally, in terms of rates and benefits. Conducting local benchmarking involves researching the rates and packages offered by nearby practices to ensure your offer is competitive within your specific area. This is especially important if you’re located in an area with a high demand for contractors, as you may need to offer additional perks or incentives to attract the best candidates.
By combining both local and national benchmarking, you can craft a package that not only appeals to the skills and experience you need but also reflects the market demand for contractors in the healthcare sector.
Clarify Your Requirements
Contractors are hired to fill specific roles, so it’s crucial to know exactly what skills and experience you need. In healthcare, this is even more important, as the roles often require specific knowledge and expertise that are critical to patient care and practice efficiency. Healthcare contractors may need to be familiar with certain medical systems, regulatory requirements, or specialised procedures that cannot be taught on the job. Therefore, it’s essential that your job description is precise and clearly outlines the qualifications and experience required.
This clarity ensures you avoid lengthy training periods and ensures the contractor can hit the ground running with minimal oversight. Given the high stakes involved in healthcare roles, it’s crucial to focus on attracting candidates who can seamlessly integrate into your practice with the right expertise and qualifications.
Understanding Employment Status and IR35
In the healthcare sector, understanding IR35 legislation is crucial. IR35 affects how contractors are taxed, and misclassifying a contractor as an employee can result in severe penalties. Make sure you’re clear on whether the contractor will be treated as an employee or an external worker. Consult with tax professionals to ensure compliance.
Contractors can be an invaluable asset to your GP practice, especially for specific projects or during busy times. Once you’ve clarified your needs and understand the legal responsibilities, you’ll be ready to bring in the right contractor to support your team effectively.
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