When it comes to mileage, pharmacies generally offer one of two types of reimbursement: standard mileage or full mileage. It's important to know the difference and to confirm the policy with the pharmacy before accepting a shift.
Types of Mileage Reimbursement
Standard Mileage: You receive a set rate per mile after a certain number of miles (e.g., after the first 20 miles).
Full Mileage: You are compensated for the entire travel distance from your home to the pharmacy and back.
Important Note
Most pharmacies require mileage to be agreed upon before you book a shift. If you want to claim mileage, you must discuss it with the pharmacy first.
Mileage Rates by Pharmacy
Here is a breakdown of the mileage policies for some major pharmacies:
Do Not Pay Mileage: AIM RX, Avicenna, Boots, Day Lewis, Lloyds, PCT, Station Pharmacy (P.E. Logan Ltd.), Weldricks.
Pay Standard Mileage (with pre-agreement):
Alexanders Pharmacy Ltd: 30ppm, excluding the first 20 miles.
Wilsons: 28ppm, after the first 40 miles.
Rowlands: 35ppm up to 130 miles, with the first 20 miles not included.
Pay Full Mileage (with pre-agreement):
Cohens: 28ppm.
Cornwells: 28ppm.
Jhoots: 25ppm.
Knights Pharmacy: 28ppm.
Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacy: 28ppm.
Judges Close Surgery: 30ppm.
Paydens: 28ppm.
Pillbox: 28ppm.
Superdrug: 20ppm.
The Hub Pharmacy: 20ppm.
Well: 28ppm. To claim, you must send a locum expenses form to locums@well.co.uk within six weeks of your shift.
Understanding HMRC Rates
The rates offered by pharmacies may not always align with the tax-free rates set by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). For cars and vans, the HMRC-approved mileage allowance is 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles in a tax year and 25p per mile for miles over 10,000. As a self-employed locum, you can claim any difference as a business expense on your tax return.
Need Help?
While Locate a Locum does not pay you directly, we are here to ensure a smooth process. If you have any issues with mileage claims, please use the chat button on the bottom right of your screen to contact us.