Here in the UK, with the NHS now in such need of skilled healthcare practitioners, the demand for locum doctors (flexible workforce) from overseas has risen sharply since the pandemic, and that trend only looks set to continue for the foreseeable future.

 

As healthcare workers do their best to work their way through NHS backlogs, it’s clear that locum/flexible healthcare workers are not only needed but that they’re also very welcome here in the UK.

Working as part of a flexible workforce is exciting and pays exceptionally well. If you are coming from overseas to the UK, there are several benefits and adventures ahead to start a new life.

As well as the healthcare side of things, there’s also the everyday life to adjust to, which we’re going to focus on here. As a locum from overseas, you will have questions about living in the UK, so here’s a look at some important facts about life in the UK.

 

Where to stay in the UK?

You’ll need somewhere to stay and the UK has a wide variety of accommodation. Property prices vary significantly across the UK. We have roles with quiet country village settings nearby and exciting cities also, so there is an abundance of property to buy or rent close to your chosen place of work.

The standard of accommodation across the UK for healthcare workers renting is good and something that you’ll have a great choice of.

 

Is the quality of life good in the UK?

The quality of life here in the UK continues to be very high. Worldwide, the UK currently ranks 22^nd out of 87 in the global Quality of Life Index. The Quality-of-Life Index looks at things such as living costs, broadband speed, pollution, healthcare, amenities, culture, education, recreation, and much more besides. The survey also found that the UK spends much of its finances on its recreation and culture, so there’s certainly plenty to keep you busy in your downtime.

 

What is the UK nightlife like?

If there’s one thing we in Britain love to do, it’s party, and for those nights when you aren’t working and want to let your hair down and enjoy yourself, you’ll certainly be spoiled for choice in terms of what to do in an evening.

As of 2020, approximately 46,800 pubs were operating across the UK, so finding somewhere to grab a drink and a bite to eat couldn’t be easier. If you want to carry on partying and dance the night away, there are around 6,985 nightclubs to choose from across the UK. There are even 24-hour bars and clubs.

Every town and city will have bars and clubs, though obviously, more rural settings will have fewer amenities. Whether you reside in a quiet country village or a busy town or city, you’ll usually find a pub and/or bar or club to relax and unwind in.

 

Is there regulated and affordable education and childcare in the UK?

In England, all three and four-year-olds are entitled to a certain amount of free early education hours every year.

All schools and childcare providers are regularly inspected by Ofsted – an overseeing body that inspects and raises the standards of educational schools and childcare facilities within England. Schools and childcare facilities are well regulated and there is a choice so your little ones are happy too.

 

What is food and drink like in the UK?

Another consideration when moving to another country is the food and drink.

The UK has seen a steady increase in restaurants over the years, and currently, close to 100,000 businesses are operating in the mobile catering and/or restaurant industry.

There is also a very diverse selection of cuisines to choose from, with Chinese taking over from India as the nation’s favourite takeaway, with 1 in 4 brits choosing Chinese as their favourite. In second was Indian, with 17% choosing Indian, whereas 3^rd place was a British staple, Fish and Chips, with 16% of the votes.

British people love their food, and other favourites include Thai, Pizza, Mexican, Japanese, BBQ, sushi, and the classic British Sunday roast.

Whether you want a cooked breakfast in a quiet café or a Michelin-starred meal in a luxury restaurant, finding your ideal cuisine in the UK will not be an issue at all. There are also plenty of takeaway delivery options to choose from and all of your favourite fast-food staples.

 

People are welcoming, and you’ll be living and working in a society that embraces diversity and is multi-cultural.

Contact us for a chat with our dedicated, experienced consultants who can talk you through many roles and opportunities available across the UK supporting our NHS.