If the practice you provide locum services for is taking action

1. Locum GPs should be invited to participate in the same action as the practice team

If the practice in which you are engaged decides to undertake any of the above actions, they may suggest changes to your terms of engagement, for example instituting safe working principles such as 15 minutes appointments and a maximum of 25 consultations per day. 

For collective action to be effective, it is imperative that contractors or partners who participate in collective action invite locum GPs to participate in  the same action, as the actions will be most effective when the changes to working are adopted by the entire clinical team, including sessional GPs. You should not see any increase in your workload as a result of collective action nor expect any change in remuneration. General practice must be united to make change.

2. Any collective action which will significantly change ways of working in the practice need to be clearly communicated, ideally before the start of any engagement

Practices will be encouraged to participate in action from August 1st. If the collective action that your engaging practice decides to take will significantly change their ways of working or the practice are proposing changes to your working day, any proposed changes should be clearly communicated to you, mutually agreed and reflected in your terms of engagement. 

Before the start of any engagement during the period of action, locum GPs should discuss with the practice what, if any, action they are taking and the expectations of the practice for the anticipated duration of collective action.

3. If collective action will change ways of working, any proposed changes to the locum GP’s terms of service should only be made by mutual agreement 

Locum GPs determine the services and terms they offer. Partners and contractors should hold discussions with any currently engaged locum GPs in the practice to explore any actions they may wish to participate in. 

4. Locum GPs should check their cancellation terms before starting an engagement

Locums should ensure that they have clear cancellation terms and timeframes within their contract, to ensure that they are not unduly affected if faced with a short notice cancellation.

5. As always, Locum GPs must ensure they uphold the professional standards outlined in GMC Good Medical Practice guidance.

None of the actions outlined should require locum GPs or any other GPs within the practice, from breaching GMC Good Medical Practice.  If you have any concerns discuss them with the practice or contact the BMA.