Do You Offer a Pension?
✅ Quick answer No. Airlocum does not offer a pension scheme. Locums on Airlocum are self-employed contractors, not employees, so pension arrangements are your own responsibility. For free, impartial guidance on pension options for self-employed workers, visit MoneyHelper (moneyhelper.org.uk) — the UK government’s financial guidance service. |
As a self-employed locum working through Airlocum, you are responsible for your own tax affairs, pension, and financial planning. This is the same for all self-employed professionals in the UK — it’s not specific to Airlocum. The trade-off is flexibility: you choose your own hours, rates, and working patterns, and you choose the savings and pension options that suit your circumstances.
What Am I Responsible for as a Self-Employed Locum?
Tax — registering with HMRC as self-employed and filing a Self Assessment tax return each year.
National Insurance — paying Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance contributions through your tax return.
Pension — arranging your own private pension or other retirement savings.
Insurance — maintaining your own professional indemnity insurance and any other cover you need.
What Pension Options Are Available to Self-Employed Workers?
Self-employed workers in the UK have several options for retirement savings, including personal pensions, self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs), ISAs, and the NHS Pension scheme (if you also hold an NHS position). The right choice depends on your individual circumstances, income level, and financial goals.
🔗 Where to get guidance MoneyHelper (moneyhelper.org.uk) — the UK government’s free, impartial financial guidance service. Their section on pensions for self-employed workers covers your options clearly. HMRC Self Assessment — for registering as self-employed, understanding your tax obligations, and filing returns. A qualified financial adviser — for personalised advice on pension contributions, tax efficiency, and retirement planning based on your specific situation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t Airlocum offer a pension?
Because locums on Airlocum are self-employed contractors, not employees. UK employment law requires employers to provide workplace pensions for employees, but this does not apply to self-employed professionals. This is the standard arrangement across all locum platforms and agencies.
Am I definitely self-employed if I work through Airlocum?
Yes. Locums on Airlocum work as independent, self-employed contractors. You choose your own shifts, set your own rates, and are free to work with multiple practices and platforms. Airlocum is a marketplace that connects you with practices — not an employer.
Can I be employed somewhere else and self-employed on Airlocum at the same time?
Yes. Many locums hold an employed position (for example, in the NHS) and also work self-employed shifts through Airlocum. You’ll need to manage both through your Self Assessment tax return. See our article “Can I Be Employed and Self-Employed at the Same Time?” for more detail.
Do I get National Insurance credits through Airlocum?
No. As a self-employed worker, you pay your own National Insurance contributions through your tax return. These contributions count toward your State Pension entitlement.
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