How Long Does It Take to Get Paid for NHS Locum Shifts?

One of the most important questions for healthcare professionals working flexible shifts is, “When will I actually get paid?” Whether you are new to locum work or just thinking about changing how you book your shifts, it is important to understand how payment timings work.

Locum work offers great flexibility and the chance to earn well, but delays in payment can cause frustration if you do not know what to expect.

Here is everything you need to know about how long it takes to get paid for NHS locum shifts, what can affect your payment timeline, and how to make sure you are paid as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Typical Payment Timelines for NHS Locum Shifts

How quickly you get paid depends on how you arrange your shifts.

There are three main routes to working locum shifts:

• Through an agency
• Through a Trust staff bank
• Through a collaborative platform like Flexzo Ai

Agency Locum Work

If you work through a traditional locum agency, payment timing can vary.

• Some agencies pay weekly
• Others pay monthly
• Payments often depend on when your shift is approved and when the agency processes your invoice

You might work a shift, submit a timesheet, and then wait one to four weeks to receive payment. In some cases, agency workers report even longer delays, especially if timesheets are missing or if the agency is waiting for the Trust to pay them first.

Trust Staff Bank Work

When working directly through a Trust’s internal bank, payment is usually made through the Trust’s normal payroll system.

• Most Trusts pay bank staff monthly
• Pay is typically processed around the 15th to the 28th of the following month
• Deadlines for submitting timesheets are strict, usually once a month

If you miss the payroll deadline, your payment can be delayed by another month.

Collaborative Staff Bank Platforms like Flexzo Ai

Platforms like Flexzo Ai have simplified the payment process.

• Shifts are booked, completed and authorised through one system
• Payment is made directly by the Trust
• Payments are made promptly, often faster than traditional staff banks
• Clear communication about payroll dates helps you plan ahead

Because compliance, booking, timesheet submission and authorisation are all handled digitally, you avoid many of the delays that come with manual systems.

Factors That Can Delay Payment

Even with the best systems, a few common issues can cause payment delays. Understanding these can help you avoid them.

Late or Incomplete Timesheets

Many Trusts and agencies require you to submit your timesheet within a certain timeframe. If you forget, submit incomplete information, or submit it late, your payment will likely be pushed to the next cycle.

Delays in Authorisation

Shifts usually need to be authorised by a line manager, ward sister, or department lead before payment can be released. If they are unavailable or if the authorisation process is manual, this can delay your payment.

Incorrect Bank Details

If your bank details are incorrect or out of date on your staff bank profile or agency records, payment cannot be processed and will be delayed until it is corrected.

Payroll Cut-Offs

Each Trust and agency will have a payroll cut-off date. If your paperwork is submitted after this cut-off, you will have to wait until the next payroll run.

Umbrella Company Delays

If you are being paid through an umbrella company (common with agencies), additional layers of administration can slow things down. Processing errors at the umbrella company are one of the most common causes of delayed pay.

How Flexzo Ai Speeds Up Payment

Flexzo Ai was designed to eliminate many of the frustrating delays healthcare professionals experience with agency work and traditional bank systems.

Streamlined Booking and Timesheets

With Flexzo Ai, everything happens in one place. You book your shift, complete your shift, and submit your hours through the platform.

Real-Time Shift Authorisation

Managers approve your shift directly through the Flexzo Ai system. No lost paperwork, no chasing signatures, no need to email scanned timesheets.

Direct Payment by Trusts

You are paid directly by NHS Trusts, without agency markups or umbrella companies getting involved. This reduces the number of steps between finishing your shift and receiving your money.

Clear Payroll Timelines

Flexzo Ai provides clear payroll schedules for each participating Trust, so you know when you need to submit your shifts and when you will be paid.

Support When You Need It

If there is ever a payment issue, Flexzo Ai’s support team is ready to step in and help resolve it quickly.

This means you spend less time worrying about when you will get paid and more time focusing on your work or your personal life.

How to Make Sure You Get Paid Quickly

• Submit Timesheets Promptly: Always submit your completed timesheets or shift confirmations as soon as possible after finishing work. Do not wait until the last minute.
• Double-Check Details: Make sure your submitted hours match the shift you booked, that your timesheet is correctly filled out, and that your name and details match your bank information.
• Know the Payroll Cut-Off Dates: Ask your staff bank or platform (like Flexzo Ai) what the monthly cut-off dates are and set reminders so you do not miss them.
• Stay Shift-Ready: Keep your compliance documents up to date so there are no administrative delays in approving your shifts.
• Choose Platforms That Prioritise Fast Payment: If quick, reliable payment is important to you, working through platforms like Flexzo Ai can make a big difference compared to the delays sometimes seen in agency models.

Common Questions About Locum Payment Timing

Final Thoughts

Getting paid promptly is a major part of why many healthcare professionals move towards flexible working.

While agency locum work can sometimes involve delays and hidden deductions, booking shifts directly through NHS banks or collaborative platforms like Flexzo Ai offers a faster, simpler, and more transparent experience.

By submitting your shifts promptly, keeping your details up to date, and working through systems that prioritise efficiency, you can enjoy the benefits of locum work without the stress of wondering when your pay will arrive.