As the landscape for pharmacy staffing evolves, it’s more important than ever to ensure your locum pharmacist arrangements are compliant, secure, and efficient. With legislative changes and rising concerns about using unlicensed recruitment methods, opting for a licensed agency like Pharmacy SOS is no longer just a preference – it’s a necessity.
The Importance of Using a Licensed Agency
The legal changes in Victoria (effective October 30, 2019) make it clear that businesses hiring labour must use a licensed agency to do so. The Labour Hire Authority now mandates that all businesses hiring locum pharmacists are required to do so via an agency with proper licensing. This move is part of a broader push to improve workplace standards and accountability, ensuring that both locums and pharmacies are protected.
Pharmacy SOS is fully licensed in both Victoria and Queensland, and we operate Australia-wide, allowing us to provide reliable, compliant staffing solutions to pharmacies across the country. We are proud to announce our certification and to offer our services under these new regulations.
The Risks of Using Social Media or Unlicensed Agencies
While it may be tempting to find a locum pharmacist through social media or unlicensed platforms, this practice carries significant risks. Here’s why:
Lack of Accountability – When you hire a locum through informal channels, there is no governing body to turn to if a dispute arises. Without a formal contract or oversight, it becomes increasingly difficult to hold locums or agencies accountable for their actions.
No Background Checks – Unlicensed agencies or social media platforms do not typically provide comprehensive background checks or verify the qualifications of locum pharmacists. This leaves your pharmacy at risk of hiring someone who may not meet your professional standards or, worse, is unqualified for the role.
Legal and Financial Risks – If you hire a locum through an unlicensed agency, you may face compliance issues, especially concerning PAYG, superannuation, WorkCover, and payroll tax obligations. The ATO considers locum pharmacists employees in most cases, which means you, as the pharmacy owner, would be responsible for paying the necessary taxes and superannuation.
By using a licensed agency like Pharmacy SOS, these risks are mitigated. We ensure that all locums are properly vetted, compliant with regulatory standards, and paid according to the ATO’s rules. Additionally, we handle the payroll and all associated administrative tasks, freeing up your time to focus on running your business.
Our Solution: Full Compliance, Less Hassle
At Pharmacy SOS, we understand the complexities of running a pharmacy, and that’s why we’re here to make your staffing process smoother and more efficient. By choosing a licensed locum agency like Pharmacy SOS, you can:
Ensure Compliance: We handle the payroll, superannuation, taxes, and other legal obligations for you.
Access Quality Locums: We ensure that only qualified locums are sent to your pharmacy with a robust vetting process.
Minimize Administrative Burden: Our comprehensive services allow you to focus on what you do best—running your pharmacy.
What About Payroll-Only Services?
If you already have your own team of locum pharmacists but need help managing payroll, Pharmacy SOS can assist. We offer a payroll-only service for pharmacies in Australia Wide, providing a solution to ease your administrative burden without paying a finder’s fee. For a small administrative fee, we handle all payroll-related tasks and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Why Locum Pharmacists Benefit from Using a Licensed Agency
As a locum pharmacist, ensuring that you are paid correctly and on time is essential for maintaining your financial health. By working with a licensed agency like Pharmacy SOS, you can rest assured that all your entitlements will be met in full, from PAYG and superannuation to timely payments. Our commitment to regular, fortnightly pay ensures that locums can rely on their income without delay.
Conclusion
Using an unlicensed recruitment method or relying on social media to find locums is a risky choice for both pharmacies and locum pharmacists. The benefits of working with a licensed agency like Pharmacy SOS far outweigh the alternatives. Our licensed status in Victoria and Queensland, along with our commitment to compliance and professionalism, ensures that both pharmacies and locums are supported in every way possible.
Choose Pharmacy SOS for peace of mind, knowing that your locum staffing is legally compliant, professionally managed, and geared towards success.