We also had to agree on the worth of locums' insecurity, typical professional and business expenses, and those aspects of NPs' work which was not just seeing patients. So, the GPC's approval was needed as well, and thanks to the goodwill of many GPC members, Peter Holden's honest brokerage, and above all the clear determination and leadership shown by the current NPSC chairman, Rebecca Viney, the final and existing draft was approved in late October. When the rates go through BMA Council in December, it will have taken nearly 2 years of solid and persistent campaigning by NANP members to get the rates updated. Readers must bear in mind that, ultimately, NPs are paid by the Government, just as principals are. In other words, NP pay is indirectly reimbursed to principals.
Principals do carry the ultimate responsibility for their staff and patients on their list.
Principals do enjoy good job security and have opportunities for private income from their premises. Principals, these days, do not see great increases in the value of partnership shares, and some are trapped by negative equity. On the other hand, partnership shares are taken tax-free. Self-employed NPs have considerable business and practice expenses and have no paid holiday or study leave, but do have some tax privileges. Employed NPs should have full pro-rata paid leave.