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PDA launches Contract for Services for locumsThe Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has produced a new version of the 'Contract for Services,' commonly agreed between pharmacy proprietors and self-employed locum pharmacists 30-JUN-05 The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has produced a new version of the 'Contract for Services,' commonly agreed between pharmacy proprietors and self-employed locum pharmacists. Although it still places a performance requirement on locums, it also requires proprietors to commit to ensuring that the pharmacy has sufficient levels of support staff and is a safe working environment for locums. In addition, it makes it clear that, in the event of an error occurring through the actions or omissions of a proprietor (e.g. poor quality stock, deficient equipment or inappropriate staffing levels), then the proprietor would be held liable, not the locum. "For many years locums have worked under a system which is weighted in favour of proprietors, because the Contract for Services that is in widespread use was drawn up by the National Pharmaceutical Association, an organisation whose primary role is to look after the interests of pharmacy owners," said Mark Koziol, PDA director. "Because of this, the PDA considered the previous contract deficient and has produced a much more balanced contract." The new PDA Contract for Services has received formal approval from the Inland Revenue, and will be distributed by the PDA to locum pharmacists. Any locums or proprietors who would like to receive a free copy of the PDA Contract for Services template, which they can photocopy and use in their practice, should contact the PDA (Tel: 0121 694 7000). Alternatively, they can download a copy from the PDA website (www.the-pda.org). "We believe that our new Contract document is a big step in the right direction for all parties," added Mr Koziol. "The PDA has worked hard to ensure that it is fair and reasonable." The PDA recognises that some employers will not be used to having any requirements placed upon them by locums and therefore may be perturbed by the new Contract of Services. They need not fear the proposed contract however, as most of the new PDA clauses are requirements that are already placed on owners via the Code of Ethics or Health and Safety Legislation. "So far, only one Superintendent has argued that he would not guarantee staffing levels or a safe working environment for locums, so we urged him to read the Pharmacy Code of Ethics," concluded Mr Koziol. ENDS NOTES FOR EDITORS'Contract for Services' agreementsWhen self-employed locum pharmacists agree to work for pharmacy proprietors, both parties often sign what is known as a 'Contract for Services' agreement, which sets out arrangements between them. This 'Contract for Services 'agreement helps to ensure that locums can be treated as self-employed individuals by the Inland Revenue and also helps to protect proprietors from being challenged regarding the employment status of the locums whose services they use. It is therefore unsurprising that the 'Contract for Services' is in widespread use. The contract template most commonly used is produced by the National Pharmaceutical Association (NPA). Many locums consider that it places a significant burden on locums in relation to expected performance, without paying sufficient attention to the equivalent conditions that should be placed on proprietors, particularly with regard to the standard of the pharmacy. The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA)The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) is a not for profit organisation which aims is to act upon and support the needs of individual pharmacists and, when necessary, to defend their reputation. The PDA currently has more than 10,000 members. The primary aims of the PDA are to:
Editors requiring further information should contact: Colin Martin, public relations consultant |
   
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