Introduction
Temporary veterinary work in the UK is experiencing unprecedented growth. For vets and vet nurses, the message is clear: veterinary locum roles are no longer the exception — they're a deliberate career choice.
The Numbers Tell the Story
According to 2024 data:
- Locum veterinarians earn median daily rates of £450
- Night shifts command £840 daily
- Locum nurses earn £250 daily (a 26% increase)
Contributing Factors
COVID-19's Lasting Impact
The pandemic accelerated existing workforce challenges. The UK acquired 3.2 million new pets during lockdowns, dramatically increasing demand for veterinary services.
Brexit Effects
Post-Brexit, there's been a 68% decline in EU-qualified veterinarians entering the UK workforce.
Increased Workforce Mobility
34.1% of veterinary professionals were in roles under one year, indicating significant sector movement.
The Primary Appeal: Flexibility
Flexibility ranks as the dominant motivator, surpassing compensation considerations. One practitioner noted: "Switching to locum work allowed me to balance childcare while maintaining my clinical skills."
Benefits for Practices
Locum staff help practices:
- Cover staff absences and leave
- Manage demand fluctuations
- Access specialist skills without permanent hires
- Reduce burnout among permanent staff
Challenges and Solutions
Locum work presents challenges including:
- Administrative responsibilities
- Variable work consistency
- Adapting to new environments
However, professional networks and recruitment agencies increasingly mitigate these concerns.
Conclusion
Temporary positions are transitioning from stopgap solutions toward permanent structural components of veterinary practice operations. The trend shows no signs of slowing.