Third of locum GPs say pay rates are top priority for this year, survey reveals

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Sessional GPs (NASGP) in 2023, approximately one-third of locum GPs have identified raising their rates as a top priority for this year

Nearly all participants in the survey expressed a desire to receive higher fees, with only one percent considering it their lowest concern on their career priority list for 2023.

The survey, which included 91 sessional GPs, also revealed that 18% of respondents aimed to work more sessions as a primary career goal for the year. However, 34% of them considered working more sessions their lowest priority and expressed a desire to slow down their pace. Despite widespread burnout and disillusionment in the field, the majority of locums (58%) stated their intention to continue working for five years or more.

Approximately 29% of locums plan to work for an additional one to five years, while only four percent intend to leave within the next 12 months. Furthermore, nine percent indicated uncertainty regarding their future plans.

When asked about the impact of the pressures faced by general practice on their careers, many locums admitted turning to sessional GP work after experiencing burnout or health issues in other permanent positions, including partnership, salaried, and retainership posts. Commonly cited problems included excessive administration, abusive conditions, unrealistic expectations, and difficulties in recruiting colleagues.

One locum GP explained, “I resigned from my long-term partnership due to workload pressures. Although it was a high-earning partnership, the workload of 4,500 patients per FTE was unsafe.”

Another participant described leaving a “very successful practice that couldn’t recruit” two years ago and is now quietly looking to retire. He expressed his frustration, saying, “The trouble is I’m only 53. I’ve had to remortgage my home to pay tax bills due to pension issues.”

A third locum stated, “I experienced burnout and had to leave my retainership post early last year. The lack of staff, increased demand, and unscrupulous employers overwhelmed and left me unsupported.”

Nearly all respondents acknowledged that their work and career goals had been influenced by the ongoing workforce crisis.

Meanwhile, many sessional GPs participating in the survey revealed their plans to remain in the profession by diversifying their income sources and developing portfolio careers. One respondent stated, “I chose to switch to locum work and diversify my portfolio into other clinical and non-clinical roles to ensure a sustainable working week. I still work a lot, but at least I am mostly compensated for the hours I put in.”

Another participant shared, “I am reducing my NHS sessions and taking on more private work.”

Dr. Richard Fieldhouse, chair of NASGP, expressed his appreciation for the majority of locum GPs planning to continue in general practice for at least five years. He stated, “It’s encouraging to see that despite the challenges faced by our colleagues, such as burnout and increasing workloads, many are finding ways to diversify their income sources and develop portfolio careers to maintain a sustainable work-life balance.”