Under the spotlight: Locum work in London

3 November 2022 • Locum

The increasing demand for clinicians and healthcare workers in the UK has created many opportunities for locum work. Locum workers are essential staff that temporarily fill rota gaps within hospitals or clinics. Below is a review of locum work in London and practical tips for healthcare staff interested in locum jobs in the UK.

Locum work in London

London is the UK’s famous capital, where hard work, creativity, and grit can help you live a rewarding life. That is why it is a leading destination for people interested in locum jobs, with plenty of private and NHS jobs available. Additionally, the locum job market in London is quite competitive as healthcare professionals seek better opportunities and greener pastures in the capital.

Here are the top reasons to get locum work in London:

It offers cultural diversity

A notable feature of locum work in London is that you will be working in a multicultural environment. There are roughly 300 languages used in the capital, showcasing a vibrant city with diverse cultures, backgrounds, and ethnicities. According to recent ethnicity figures, London is the UK’s most ethnically diverse city.

London hospitals and healthcare centres also reflect vibrant multiculturalism as the city embraces diversity and inclusivity. Working as a locum in a diverse, multicultural area like London has many benefits. They include the following:

Its multi-ethnic feature shapes you into a global citizen who can interact with different cultures while maintaining your identity.
It helps you to improve tolerance, openness, and acceptance of people from varying cultures.
It provides multiple choices for trying different cuisines and lifestyles to enhance your life.

Access to cheap and convenient travel to Europe

The remarkable flexibility of locum jobs in the UK contributes to an excellent opportunity for travel. Going locum allows healthcare professionals to adapt their work requirements to their lifestyle commitments, thus offering a better work-life balance. And what better place to travel and unwind after your locum contract ends than Europe?

Locum work in London lets you quickly and cheaply explore Europe on a brief holiday or a weekend getaway. Most European cities are within easy reach of London. Here are a few travel suggestions:

Paris: The fantastic London to Paris trip can help you unlock a stylish metropolis full of art, iconic landmarks, numerous beautiful attractions, and superb cuisine.
Brussels: A quick trip to Brussels can help you explore a calm European capital with pedestrian-friendly roads, medieval buildings, and other great attractions.
Amsterdam: The serene canals and buzzing lifestyle of Amsterdam can offer a great weekend getaway from London.

Besides the foreign travel destinations, London has plenty of attractions worth exploring as you break from your locum. Many transportation options are available, from airports and trains to ferries, buses, and trams. If travelling is a key priority for your locum experience, then starting a career as a locum in London is a perfect choice.

Massive potential for career growth

Working locum jobs in the UK often means being able to work in diverse environments and dealing with different situations. If you try out several placements like NHS jobs London before finding a permanent role, you can gain valuable experience. As your skills grow and improve, you will also become a more valuable worker with opportunities in private care and NHS.

Considering the diversity of organisations and also patients, each locum opportunity in London requires a high level of education and competence. The level of competition for positions is higher in the capital, which can compel you to work on your professional development. Both short-term and long-term locum work in London allows you to demonstrate expertise, make strong network contacts and enhance your career options.

The other notable way to improve your competitiveness while working locum jobs in London is through engaging in further education. Finding world-class colleges and universities in the city is relatively easy. You can complete a short professional course or go for an extra degree. Contact the specialist team relevant to your area of expertise for recommendations on highly regarded courses and qualifications.

Excellent networking opportunities

London's multiple industries and companies offer the perfect place to network and interact with peers. Sharing experiences, goals, or challenges with other locums and professionals allows for richer discussion and exchange of insight and ideas. You will find more inspiration as you access new information, particularly from a diverse collection of highly knowledgeable people.

Networking in London will also help develop your social skills and self-confidence. Talking with different people can boost your people skills and strengthen personal and professional relationships. If you’re new to the city, it can be easy to get caught up in the fast-paced lifestyle – we discuss how to keep a balance and avoid fatigue.

Plenty of fun activities

Living in the city can often get overwhelming, so it is best to get outdoors and unwind, which is another area where London excels. There are numerous outdoor activities that locum workers can enjoy. Here are a few activities that you can try out in the city without breaking your budget:

Explore museums: There are numerous galleries and museums in London, with many offering free access. The top options include the British Museum, National History Museum, and the National Portrait Gallery. Here’s a helpful guide to
Theatre, Music and Comedy: Of course, there are exciting musicals, theatre shows, and plays in London’s vibrant West End, but London also hosts an array of more low-key performances which are much more budget-friendly.
Go for park picnics: The other benefit of locum work in London is that you can relax in the various parks and green spaces when you need some quiet time. Kensington Gardens, James’s Park, and Hampstead Heath are excellent choices.
Explore new eateries: London has a buzzing food scene. From fancy restaurants to street food markets, it has cuisines to cater for everyone.

Here are some helpful resources to help you plan your leisure time:

Who does locum work in London suit?

Locum work in London suits an ambitious person who wants to work in a vibrant, fast-paced, multicultural environment. Many locum work opportunities are available, so competition and pay rates are high.

Looking for locum work in London?

Are you a healthcare professional and considering taking up locum work in London? Check our site for the latest locum opportunities in biomedical science, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physiotherapy, radiography, and sonography.

Photo by Bruno Martins on Unsplash