Short answer: Yes — it’s perfectly fine to have an employed role while also doing self-employed private work, including locum shifts through Airlocum.
Many locums combine a part-time or full-time employed role with self-employed locum work to increase income and flexibility.
How It Works
When you take self-employed locum work alongside employment:
You will still pay PAYE tax through your employer for your employed role.
Your self-employed income is declared separately to HMRC via a self-assessment tax return.
Any allowable business expenses are deducted before your tax is calculated — reducing your taxable income.
Why Use an Accountant?
Airlocum can connect you with accountants who specialise in locum professionals.
For around £20 per month, they can:
Set you up for self-employment.
Register you with HMRC and handle all compliance paperwork.
File your annual tax return.
Claim all allowable expenses on your behalf.
Communicate directly with HMRC using Form 64-8 (giving them authority to act for you).
Common Allowable Expenses
As a self-employed locum, you can usually claim costs such as:
Travel (mileage allowance)
Uniforms and laundry
Parking charges
Mobile phone bills
Wi-Fi bills
Professional indemnity insurance
GDC registration
Using your home as an office
These expenses are deducted from your self-employed income before tax — meaning you keep more of what you earn compared to being fully employed as a locum.
Bottom line: You can be employed and self-employed at the same time. With the right accountant and expense management, self-employed locum work can be a profitable way to supplement your income while keeping your employed role.
