Staffing has always been one of the most challenging parts of running a pharmacy. Whether you’re managing a single independent business or a small group of branches, finding the right people and keeping your rota full can have a huge impact on how smoothly things run. When there’s a gap to fill, pharmacy owners usually consider one of two options: hiring directly or working with a pharmacy locum agency. Both choices can help you solve the same problem, but the way they affect your time, budget, and team structure can be very different.
In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at both routes. You’ll get a clear picture of how each option works, what the potential advantages are, and where the drawbacks might lie. That way, you can make an informed decision that suits your pharmacy’s goals and resources.
What Is a Pharmacy Locum Agency and How Does It Work?
A pharmacy locum agency acts as a middle layer between pharmacies and pharmacists. These agencies maintain a network of registered pharmacists who are available to take on short-term shifts. This could be to cover annual leave, sickness, or simply to fill rota gaps at short notice.
The pharmacy contacts the agency with their shift requirements, and the agency searches their database to match a suitable locum. The process is usually handled quickly, with minimal involvement needed from the pharmacy owner or manager. In some cases, the booking can be confirmed within minutes.
For busy pharmacies, this kind of support can be a huge relief. But while it can take the pressure off in the short term, relying on agency staff does come with its own set of pros and cons.
The Pros of Using a Pharmacy Locum Agency
For many pharmacies, especially those that deal with fluctuating demand or last-minute absences, a locum agency offers a practical and often quick solution. Below are some of the main benefits of going down this route.
1. Less Admin for Your Team
One of the biggest advantages of using a pharmacy locum agency is that they handle most of the recruitment process for you. This includes:
- Advertising the vacancy
- Vetting pharmacists
- Checking GPhC registration and documents
- Managing payments and invoicing
This can free up time for pharmacy owners and managers to focus on other parts of the business, especially if there’s no in-house HR support.
2. Access to a Wide Pool of Pharmacists
Locum agencies often have large networks of pharmacists across the UK. This makes it easier to find someone with the right qualifications and availability, even at short notice. In areas where recruitment is more competitive, this reach can make a real difference.
3. Fast Turnaround for Shift Cover
Agencies are often set up to fill roles quickly. If you need someone to start tomorrow, or even later the same day, a locum agency may be your best bet. Some use apps or online platforms to match pharmacies with available pharmacists in real time, much like the pharmacy apps patients now use for prescription orders and repeat medication requests.
4. Flexibility Without Commitment
Hiring a locum through an agency allows you to cover short-term needs without having to commit to long-term contracts or permanent positions. This flexibility can be helpful during seasonal spikes or when you’re still deciding whether you need another full-time team member.
The Cons of Using a Pharmacy Locum Agency
Although working with a locum agency can solve short-term staffing problems, there are some drawbacks that pharmacy owners should weigh up before relying on them regularly.
1. Higher Costs
Using a locum agency is often more expensive than hiring directly. You’re not just paying the pharmacist’s rate — there’s an agency fee on top. These fees cover admin, booking support, and access to their talent pool, but over time they can take a noticeable chunk out of your staffing budget.
2. Less Control Over Who Turns Up
When you book through an agency, you might not get to handpick the pharmacist. While some platforms allow you to see profiles or request specific individuals, in many cases you’re relying on the agency’s decision. This can lead to mismatches in working style or expectations, especially if the pharmacist is unfamiliar with your systems or patient base.
3. Disrupted Continuity of Care
Having different locums in and out of the pharmacy can affect consistency. Patients might not see the same face twice, and staff may need to spend time bringing each new pharmacist up to speed. This can slow things down, especially during busy periods, and may affect the overall flow of your services.
Direct Hiring: What It Involves and Why Some Pharmacies Prefer It
Direct hiring means employing pharmacists yourself, either on a full-time, part-time, or casual basis. You advertise the role, handle the recruitment process, and manage employment directly without going through an agency.
For some pharmacy owners, this approach feels more personal and gives them full control over who joins the team. It’s especially appealing for businesses that are focused on building a long-term workforce or want to avoid recurring agency fees.
There are clear benefits to this method, but it’s not without its challenges.
The Pros of Direct Hiring
Hiring staff directly gives you more control over the recruitment process and helps build a stronger, more consistent team. Below are some of the key benefits this approach can offer your pharmacy.
1. Lower Ongoing Costs
Once the recruitment process is complete, direct hires typically cost less in the long run. You avoid agency commission and gain more control over salary negotiation and working arrangements. This can make a noticeable difference to your budget, especially if you’re filling multiple shifts each week.
2. Full Control Over the Hiring Process
You’re in charge from start to finish. That means you can shortlist candidates who fit your pharmacy’s culture, systems, and values. You can choose someone with relevant experience, the right attitude, or specific skills your pharmacy needs.
3. Greater Stability and Team Consistency
Bringing someone on board directly helps build team rapport and consistency in service. Familiar faces behind the counter can improve patient relationships and give staff a better sense of routine. Over time, this can contribute to stronger performance and a more settled working environment.
The Cons of Direct Hiring
While direct hiring gives you more control and can reduce costs over time, it also places more responsibility on your shoulders. Before choosing this route, it’s worth considering the extra time and resources it may require.
1. The Process Can Be Time-Consuming
Advertising a role, reviewing applications, holding interviews, and checking references can take up a lot of time. If you’re already stretched thin, managing this alongside your day-to-day duties can feel overwhelming. And unlike agencies, there’s no quick fix if someone drops out last minute — the pressure is all on you to find a replacement.
2. Smaller Talent Pool
Without access to a database of available pharmacists, it might take longer to find the right candidate. Unless your pharmacy is in a well-connected area or you already have a strong network, your options could be limited. This can be even more challenging for specialist roles or part-time positions.
3. Extra Admin Responsibilities
When you hire directly, you take on the admin that an agency would normally handle. This includes managing payroll, holiday requests, HR policies, training, PMR systems, and compliance. While none of these tasks are impossible, they can add to your workload and may require extra systems or support if you don’t already have them in place.
How to Decide Which Option Is Right for Your Pharmacy
Choosing between a locum agency and direct hiring isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It depends on how your pharmacy operates, what kind of support you need, and what your long-term plans look like. Below are a few key things to consider when weighing up your options.
Think About Urgency
- If you need someone to cover a shift tomorrow, a locum agency is likely the fastest option.
- If you have time to plan ahead and are looking for consistency, direct hiring may be worth the investment.
Consider Your Budget
- Agencies can offer convenience but usually come with higher fees.
- Direct hiring can save money in the long run, but there may be upfront costs in time and recruitment resources.
Assess Internal Capacity
- Do you have the time or staff to handle recruitment, training, and payroll in-house?
- If not, working with an agency might reduce pressure, even if it costs a bit more.
Look at the Role You’re Trying to Fill
- For one-off or short-term cover, agencies are usually more practical.
- For permanent or regular part-time roles, hiring directly often makes more sense.
Think About Team Dynamics
- If continuity and team culture are priorities, direct hires will help build that.
- If you just need qualified cover with minimal commitment, agencies can deliver that flexibility.
There is no single best way to staff a pharmacy. Locum agencies offer speed, convenience, and access to a broad pool of pharmacists. Direct hiring, on the other hand, gives you more control, stronger team consistency, and can often work out cheaper in the long term. If you’re also exploring ways to reduce costs elsewhere, joining one of the UK’s buying groups could support your broader financial goals.
The right choice depends on your pharmacy’s priorities, whether that’s short-term cover, long-term growth, or a combination of both.
In reality, many pharmacies find value in using a mix of the two. Agencies can be a lifeline during unexpected absences, while direct hires help build a steady, reliable team. What matters most is choosing the approach that supports your goals and suits the way your pharmacy operates.
Which Is Best for You: Pharmacy Locum Agency or Direct Hire?
If you’re looking to explore trusted locum agencies or recruitment support services, Pharmacy Suppliers is a useful place to start. Our platform allows you to browse and compare suppliers, helping you find solutions that match your needs.
Take time to review your current setup, consider where the gaps are, and decide what will work best going forward. With the right staffing approach in place, your pharmacy will be in a stronger position to deliver safe, efficient care to your community.
Need help finding the right suppliers or support services for your pharmacy? Contact us and we’ll be happy to assist.
