Hidden costs of locum work
No pension, no paid leave, no sick pay, plus possible umbrella fees. A high day rate can be worth less than it looks.
Estimates only, using national rates. Your payslip and your employer's policies are what count.
Free calculator
Locum day rate to NHS salary converter
See whether a locum day rate really beats a permanent NHS job.
Locum income per year
£55,000
An NHS post at £37,338 is worth about £46,187 with employer pension
- Equivalent salary of a permanent post
- £44,462
- Paid leave in a permanent post
- 27–33 days + 8 bank holidays
Locums usually get no paid leave, sick pay or NHS pension, and may pay umbrella or limited-company costs. 220 working days allows for unpaid holidays.