The benefits and risks of locum working
Our annual Registrant Workforce and Perceptions Survey shows that around one in five GOC registrants work as locums. Although locum working can bring benefits, such as providing flexibility in the job market and maintaining workforce capacity, our survey suggests locums may need additional support to deliver safe patient care.
Our data shows, for example, that over two-thirds (67%) of locums found it difficult to provide patients with a sufficient level of care over the last 12 months; they also felt less comfortable than other respondents speaking up about patient safety concerns. A study in 2023 looking at the impact of locum doctors in the NHS concluded that: “whilst locum workers provided an essential service, there were issues in the way locums were perceived, utilised, and supported which might impact on the quality of care they could provide.”
Interest in switching to locum work was significantly higher among respondents aged 35 or under. The top reasons for working as a locum or switching to locum work were more flexibility over working hours, better pay, and a better work-life balance. Moving to locum work may increasingly be seen as a more attractive option for optometrists and dispensing opticians, as many continue to report high levels of burnout, fatigue, stress, and poor mental health. Some may view locum working as a more viable alternative, which could have further implications for the workforce in future if numbers increase.
However, our survey findings also show that locum workers reported higher levels of job dissatisfaction and were more likely to say they planned to leave the professions over the next 12-24 months. This raises concerns for long term workforce retention and capacity, if registrants moving to locum work end up dissatisfied and leave the professions. This is especially concerning if we are losing registrants earlier in their career.
When asked about learning and development, we found that those working as locums were less interested in pursuing additional qualifications. Perhaps unsurprisingly, due to the impermanent nature of locum work, those working as a locum felt that there were fewer opportunities to develop their potential or to access learning and development. This poses an issue for the sector at a time when it is seeking to benefit from a shift from hospital to community care.
It is likely that locum working will remain a key feature of the optical workforce going forwards and we want to continue supporting those who chose to work as locums. As a sector, we should certainly embrace the benefits of locum working but we must also address the potential risks it can have on the safety and quality of patient care. Whether you are a colleague, employer, CPD provider, professional body, or other organisation, we all have a role to play in supporting locums to deliver safe patient care and develop their potential.