Contractor Dies on the Bench

**FatLazyContractor** · 4 September 2015, 09:16

For a moment I thought this was about ...

**NibblyPig** · 4 September 2015, 09:19

Makes sense, you'd think they'd have gap insurance to cover the time not in a contract.

**darmstadt** · 4 September 2015, 09:27

Originally posted by BigRed View Post

or:
Dr Helen Sanderson's husband and daughters face losing their home because she passed away on Christmas Eve after taking the day off. - Daily Mirror

The death in service guidance from NHS Pensions Authority explains that should a locum GP find themselves in between contracts - even if it is just for a matter of hours - they will not be eligible for a death in service payment if they die.

So taking a day off, even if in a contract, is now considered between contracts. Makes no sense...

**BigRed** · 4 September 2015, 09:31

It's more about how locums are viewed as still being employees, reading through some documents it seems you can be a locum through your own Ltd concurrently with your 'full time' employment at the same surgery! no wonder HMRC are chasing contractors.

**BigRed** · 4 September 2015, 09:36

Originally posted by darmstadt View Post

So taking a day off, even if in a contract, is now considered between contracts. Makes no sense...

That's just spin by the paper. BMA - Pensions - FAQ Locum GPs | British Medical Association
says:

If, for example, you are scheduled to locum for a practice for four weeks and were to die on a Sunday during those four weeks your spouse, nominated person or estate would receive a payment of twice your average dynamised earnings.

If, for example, you are scheduled to locum for a practice for five days from Monday to Friday of one week and you were to die on the Friday evening, after your scheduled work had ended, no death in service payment would be payable.

**vetran** · 4 September 2015, 09:42

does seem like the pension company needs to be leant upon.

Seems too arbitrary to me, they should just charge a monthly fee for Locums death in service.

**BigRed** · 4 September 2015, 09:56

Originally posted by vetran View Post

Seems too arbitrary to me, they should just charge a monthly fee for Locums death in service.

Reading between the lines she was taking a day off between contracts and hence wasn't covered. I'd say a locum is a contractor and shouldn't be covered by death in service at all by the NHS.

**vetran** · 4 September 2015, 10:06

Originally posted by BigRed View Post

Reading between the lines she was taking a day off between contracts and hence wasn't covered. I'd say a locum is a contractor and shouldn't be covered by death in service at all by the NHS.

in which case don't let her contribute to the pension. Or make it really clear there is no death in service and reduce contributions accordingly. The death in service is part of the pension benefits that she paid for.

Easiest is to offer Death in service premium and then when they turn it down the insurance company is in the clear.

**NibblyPig** · 4 September 2015, 12:33

The obvious issue here is what happens if you locum for one day a year, should you get coverage for the entire year? What about if you locum for three months, take 3 months off, then kark it on the last day of that holiday? I reckon it's fine to pay out for people that are actually working for you within a contract, including weekends, and likewise not pay out if there is no contract. So I don't see a problem.

Life insurance isn't crazy expensive, and as a contractor, it's one of our necessary business expenses (if you have a family etc.).

Heck it's something you should get as a permie, and if it's not a benefit, go out and buy it yourself. Obviously again, only if you think you need it.

People need to take responsibility.

Contractor Dies on the Bench