Why GPs Are Choosing Locum Roles in 2025: Flexibility, Pay & Work-Life Balance

Smiling GP with stethoscope working with Vela Medical Group

The Rise of GP Locums in 2025

The demand for locum GPs is increasing across the UK, with more doctors opting for flexibility and financial freedom over traditional permanent roles. If you’re considering a change in your career, here’s why more GPs are choosing locum work in 2025.

1. Unmatched Flexibility

Locum work allows GPs to control their schedules, choosing when, where, and how often they work. This flexibility is crucial for doctors looking to:

  • Achieve a better work-life balance
  • Reduce burnout from high-pressure environments
  • Have more time for family, travel, or personal interests

Unlike permanent roles, locums have complete autonomy over their workload, making it easier to tailor shifts to personal preferences.

2. Higher Earning Potential

Locum GPs often earn significantly higher hourly rates compared to salaried roles. By working across multiple settings, locums can:

  • Maximise their income with competitive rates
  • Choose high-demand locations offering premium pay
  • Take advantage of additional shifts and out-of-hours roles

With the increasing strain on NHS services, GP locums remain in high demand, making it a financially rewarding career choice.

3. Diverse Clinical Experience

Locum work offers exposure to different practice settings, patient demographics, and healthcare teams. This variety helps GPs:

  • Expand their clinical knowledge and skills
  • Avoid stagnation by working in different environments
  • Gain experience in urgent care, PCNs, and out-of-hours services

For GPs considering specialisation or career growth, locum work provides a broad range of experiences that can strengthen their expertise.

4. No Long-Term Commitments

Unlike salaried positions, locum work comes with no long-term contractual obligations. This means:

  • Freedom to explore different roles before settling into a permanent position
  • The ability to take breaks between contracts without restrictions
  • Reduced administrative burdens, as recruitment agencies handle compliance and placements

This flexibility allows GPs to test different work settings before committing to a long-term role.

5. Work with a Trusted Locum Agency

At Vela Medical Group, we specialise in connecting GPs with high-quality locum opportunities across the UK. We offer:

  • Exclusive access to top locum roles
  • Competitive pay rates & flexible working options
  • Full compliance & placement support
  • Dedicated consultants to help you find the perfect role

Ready to Explore Locum GP Work?

Whether you’re new to locum work or looking for your next opportunity, Vela Medical Group makes finding the right GP job easy and stress-free.

📩 Register today & take control of your career!

📞 Call Us: 0203 987 4694
📧 Email: contact@vela-mg.com