As a locum healthcare professional, there are thousands of opportunities throughout the UK for healthcare workers of all specialties, grades and bands within the industry. After 20+ years in the healthcare recruitment market, we’ve built up our reputation and credibility and are proud to be one of the UK’s leading healthcare recruiters. Due to our renowned reputation, we’re proud to be on every major NHS framework, which is testament to the quality of our services.
We’re built up of 3 dedicated teams, Acute, Psychiatry and Nursing, which are all led by our experienced directors Tanya, Rebecca and Richie – who combined have over 50 years experience. Alongside our fantastic directors, our teams are made up of industry-leading experts whose primary focus is to bring you the most relevant roles, in locations that best suit your requirements.
Express your interest in relocating to the UK
Get to know England
Made up of 9 official regions (North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West), this country is the most densely populated country within the UK and is home to around 1150 hospitals (including NHS Trust-managed hospitals and private hospitals). Recognised for its lavish cultural landmarks such as Buckingham Palace in London to Stonehenge in Wiltshire and Hadrian’s Wall in Carlisle, there are so many incredible sights to see.
In regards to the cost of living in England, the country has seen an increase in the cost of everyday items, much like all countries. From looking at typical house and fuel prices to food shopping and bills in each region of England, you are able to see a significant increase throughout the last decade. Out of all of the regions though, it is noticeable that London has seen the most dramatic increase in house prices and bills throughout the last 7 years.
Did you know?
The Stonehenge is older than the pyramids!
Get to know Wales
Divided into North Wales and South Wales, this country is filled with mountainous national parks and a stunning coastline. Out of the 1148 NHS hospitals situated in the UK, Wales is home to around 9% of these which is just 84 hospitals. Overall, NHS Wales provides services through 7 local health boards and 3 major NHS trusts. When you’re not busy locuming, there are 7 stunning cities to be explored in Wales: Bangor, Cardiff, Newport, St Asaph, St Davids, Swansea and Wrexham. Each of these provide different weather conditions, meaning you get to experience all 4 seasons all year round depending where you’re located in Wales.
In comparison to England, the cost of living in Wales is significantly less expensive by 25%. Although the average salary is slightly lower, the cheaper cost of living combats this potential issue. Over the last 5 years, average house prices in Wales have drastically fluctuated, with the lowest prices in March 2020 and the highest prices in September 2022. Alongside this, consumer prices of general living has increased by 9.1% in May 2022 as opposed to 2021. Due to these increases, a survey was conducted asking residents what impacts the cost of living crisis has had on peoples spending habits. 20% said they were eating out less, 68% cut down on non-essentials and 70% were using electrical appliances less.
Did you know?
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch village holds the title of the longest name in the UK!
Get to know Scotland
Scotland is the most northerly country of the 4 that make up the UK, containing nearly one-third of the UK’s land area. As opposed to NHS Trusts, Scotland has 14 regional health boards that are then subdivided into Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCP), of which there are 32 in Scotland. Made up of the capital city Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, Perth, Stirling and Dunfermline, Scotland’s cities are renowned for their vibrant culture, football, manufacturing and much more.
Similarly to Wales, Scotland is also a significantly cheaper place to live with an average of 1.26 times less expensive than the UK’s average. Due to their lower cost of living, Scotland saw 47,500 people relocate here over the past few years. Prior to the pandemic in 2020, house prices remained consistent, with only a slight increase every year however, since the second lockdown in 2021, house prices saw a heightened spike in affordability. Just like every country, each city’s cost of living fluctuates slightly and Edinburgh appeared to be the most expensive area to purchase a property in.
Did you know?
Scotland is home to the tallest waterfall in Britain – Eas a’ Chual Aluinn. It’s 658 feet, which is 3 times the height of Niagara falls!
Get to know Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is the smallest country of the UK, with a population of only 1.9 million. Due to its smaller size, Northern Ireland is home to around 4% of all hospitals, with only 37 in the entire country. Similarly to Scotland, there are 6 Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts in Northern Ireland, with 5 of these providing health and social care services across the country. Alongside the well-known counties Derry/Londonderry, Antrim, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Armagh and Down, the capital city Belfast is famous for a range of attractions such as the historical Titanic Belfast Museum.
Out of all the 4 countries that make up the UK, Northern Ireland is by far the most affordable place to live based off housing and average income figures. Even the capital city itself has a 37% lower cost of living lifestyle in comparison to London. Over the last 2 years, items such as utility bills, everyday items, shopping, transport and much more, were also affected by the cost of living crisis throughout each county.
Did you know?
Northern Ireland is home to more Game of Thrones locations than anywhere else in the world!
Things to do in the UK
When considering relocating to the UK, it’s important to know your surroundings and know what your options are for your days off work. With over 6,500 popular visitor attractions across the 4 countries, there are plenty of World Heritage Sites, hiking trails, stunning beaches and much more to explore. For those with thrill-seeking personalities, check out Blackpool Pleasure Beach in the North West or take on the three peaks challenge covering Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Scotland’s famous Ben Nevis consecutively within 24 hours. After spending hours locuming, you may prefer to take a stroll to Durham Cathedral in the North East, Dudley Zoo and Castle in the West Midlands or even visit Giant’s Causeway – a nature reserve located in Northern Ireland.
UK hospital highlights
Throughout the entire UK, there are around 1148 hospitals, 704 of these are in England, 105 in Scotland, 84 in Wales and 37 in Northern Ireland. Take a look at some of the milestones, achievements and fun facts about the hospitals in the different regions of the UK.
Working as a locum in the UK
When choosing your career path as a locum healthcare professional, it’s important to check out the range of benefits that are available to you when working in the UK. Working through Athona means you have access to an assortment of benefits and support, just like your permanent counterparts.
Download our guide
Download our informative guide which covers a wide range of information on each different country and region within the UK, meet our fantastic team of professionals and find out more information about the different trusts in the UK.