Work On The Locum Front

Queries received by the PDA from locum members cover a wide range of issues and although the PDA advisers are available most of the time, the Locum Membership Group of the Union has requested that locums are provided with a reference source to give them a degree of self-suffciency to deal with some of the common problems if they fnd themselves isolated.

“We have identifed the topics that need to be included in the publication,” said Orla Sheils, a PDA Union offcial and one of the PDA legal advisors, “and we are currently in the process of putting this information into a format which, while not a substitute for specifc legal advice, will be a portable reference source that can help members to deal with the more common legal and professional issues they encounter”.

The information will include: guidance and suggested approaches to dealing with entering into contracts for services; status as a locum; cancellations of bookings; recovering unpaid locum fees; agency issues; rest break entitlements; health and safety issues in the workplace, among others. In addition, professional advice will include options for dealing with support staff, workload and work environment diffculties. The publication will be available from early 2009.

“Our legal advisors who deal with queries on a daily basis are well aware of the issues affecting locums,” said Orla. “We will be working in conjunction with the Union’s Locum Membership Group which has hands-on experience of the job, and we are keen to hear from members with any suggestions regarding the information they feel should also be included in the booklet.”

Please contact either Orla Sheils or Lindsey Gilpin (Union Executive Locum Membership Group representative) by email at enquiries@pda-union.org or by using the form below.