Locum payments

Re: Locum payments

James Laidlaw — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:36:02 GMT

Definitely keep a digital copy of all your invoices - had a problem one year with losing some and having to chase them up was an awkward search through bank records to work out who had paid and where funds were missing from. Easy to do and makes life easier for taxes too.

Re: Locum payments

An On MRCVS — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:32:26 GMT

haha oh dear! I have done a fair amount for the bigger companies which has been part of the problem. I really like the UK but I absolutely know what you mean. Just with starting out, off on euro holidays that end up more expensive than I planned, and have to pay my VAT and I have not been paid... can get tighter than I would like but the longer I am here the less it should matter. I have started invoicing weekly, is a pain to keep track of but harder to get too behind.

Re: Locum payments

mariette asselbergs — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:25:04 GMT

My experience has been of all variations: agencies were slow to start and difficult to discuss things with, but once started they were regular; some individual practices were very prompt with BACS payment, VetsNow hasn't paid me yet for work in August but have apologised, my regular practice is always three months late but otherwise prompt, with cheques only, no BACS. I hate cheques because have them lost in the post twice, plus there is an almost 10 days delay always. But I accept it as UK folklore...... I forgive the three month late boss because I know all his clients pay at least three months late too, AND he has to go around personally to collect his moneys..... (More rural folklore...) I see it as a sort of savings account.

Re: Locum payments

James Laidlaw — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:09:50 GMT

If they are going to give you a cheque - you should try and get it on the day you leave. That's what I've done in the past anyway. I find the corporates are a much harder group to deal with when trying to get those sort of payments, hence I try to avoid them!

Re: Locum payments

An On MRCVS — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 20:44:48 GMT

They are difficult because I have my mail sent to a permanent address which is a friends and if I am paid after I have left the locum it has to be sent there then to me, plus I am travelling regularly so if it doesn't arrive before I am off cannot bank etc. I thought netbank should be easy for most people. Overseas I have never really used cheques.

The bigger companies have been some of the slower payers so I think it's not so much due to cash flow. I have gone through agents a lot but I will discuss payment terms from now on.

Thanks for the advice

Re: Locum payments

James Laidlaw — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 20:36:39 GMT

Cheques shouldn't be difficult if you move? Should they? They just get made out in your name and bank them wherever there is a branch of your bank.

Re: Locum payments

Clive Ansell — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 20:00:48 GMT

Always discuss and agree payment terms and times when agreeing terms and conditions before the locum. I usually request payment within 1 week of the finish, or monthly if a longer locum. Bear in mind some practices may ask for longer to pay because of cash flow etc, which is OK as long as it is pre agreed and both sides know and are happy with it.

I have had very few, hardly any problems, getting paid. a couple of my regulars forget occasionally, but I just remind them and all is fine.

If you have no agreed time, 30 days is the legal default, after which you are entitled under the late payment legislation to charge a late payment fee and interest as long as you have stated you will do so.

Re: Locum payments

An On MRCVS — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:34:10 GMT

I have never specifically discussed payment times, perhaps I should. I have started adding to invoices that payment is required within 30 days. Cheques seem a little out dated, were you always paid this way? One company told me they discourage direct credit, I have no idea why, especially as I move a lot cheques are difficult.

Re: Locum payments

Claire Edgington — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:43:50 GMT

What did you agree when you discussed T&C's when you accepted the position? Do you write a polite note on the invoice saying you require payment within 30 days etc..? I had the odd issue but never as long as 8 weeks!! That seems a bit much.

Claire