The Locum Reality in 2025: What a New PDA Survey Reveals

For years, locum pharmacy has been synonymous with freedom, flexibility, and premium pay. It offered a path for pharmacists to take control of their careers and their earnings. However, a landmark survey conducted by the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) in April 2025 suggests this landscape is undergoing a seismic shift.

The PDA's Locum Rate Snapshot Survey, which gathered over 1,300 responses, validates the anecdotal whispers of a tougher market. The findings reveal a "hostile working environment" for many, marked by a dual crisis of falling pay and shrinking opportunities. Let's break down the key takeaways.

The Double Hit: Fewer Shifts and Lower Pay

The most alarming finding is that locums are being squeezed from both sides.

Firstly, work is drying up. A staggering 69% of respondents reported seeing 'fewer' or 'far fewer' shifts available compared to the previous year. While most locums aspire to work 3-5 days a week, the reality for the majority (59%) is now just 1-3 days of work.

Secondly, the pay for available shifts is declining. The survey reports an average 10% reduction in pay rates since 2021. This is a significant real-terms pay cut when set against the high inflation of the same period. The survey uncovered shockingly low rates being offered across the UK, including:

• £17 per hour in Northern Ireland

• £18 per hour in the Midlands

• £19 per hour in London

These figures stand in stark contrast to the £40-£50+ per hour rates that were once the norm, indicating a dramatic shift in the supply-and-demand balance.

The Hidden Pay Cut: Vanishing Expenses and Premiums

Beyond the headline rate, remuneration is being eroded in other ways. The premium once paid for last-minute, "emergency" cover has reportedly all but disappeared.

Furthermore, the practice of reimbursing travel and accommodation expenses is becoming a rarity. According to the survey, 59% of locums now state they are never paid expenses, a dramatic increase from 22% in the previous period. This effectively transfers more operational cost to the locum, further reducing their net earnings.

The Paradox: More Responsibility, Less Reward

This financial squeeze comes at a time when the demands on pharmacists have never been greater. The role has expanded to include a growing list of clinical services, and with the rise of pharmacist prescribers, the level of responsibility is set to increase even further.

This creates a frustrating paradox: as the clinical value and workload of the pharmacist increase, their compensation in the locum market is decreasing.

The Great Divide: The Power of Relationships vs. Platforms

The survey highlights a critical divide in the locum experience. Those who are weathering the storm best are locums who have cultivated strong, direct relationships with independent pharmacies or small chains. These professionals have seen less of a decline in both rates and work opportunities.

Conversely, locums who rely heavily on agencies and digital platforms are faring worse. Of those using a platform, 85% used 'Locate a Locum'. A concerning 87% of these respondents reported they could 'never' or only 'occasionally' negotiate the offered rate. This lack of negotiation power turns a self-employed professional into a price-taker, a situation the PDA notes could even call their employment status into question by HMRC.

What This Means for Locum Pharmacists

The PDA survey confirms that 2025 is a buyer's market. The power dynamic has shifted, and locums can no longer assume high rates and plentiful work will simply be available.

The key takeaways for any locum navigating this new environment are clear:

1. Relationships are Your Greatest Asset: The data proves that direct relationships built on trust and reliability provide more stability than relying on anonymous platforms. Networking and direct outreach are now more critical than ever.

2. The "Gig Economy" Effect: The platform-based model, while convenient, appears to be driving a race to the bottom on rates. Be aware of the risks of being solely dependent on this source of work.

3. Factor in Total Remuneration: When considering a shift, look beyond the hourly rate. The lack of paid expenses can make a seemingly decent rate much less attractive.

The PDA has stated it will "carefully consider next steps to support locum pharmacist members." For now, this survey is a crucial wake-up call. The dream of locum work is still achievable, but it requires more strategic career management, proactive networking, and a realistic understanding of a profoundly changed market.