GP practice managers losing bonuses

The level of bonuses paid to practice managers has fallen by 26 per cent in the last year, according to a survey of the profession's salaries.

Surgery managers have seen a pay rise of 2.77 per cent, so the net effect, including the bonus shortfall has been a rise in practice managers' incomes of just over two per cent.

More than 1,350 practice managers across the UK responded to the survey, commissioned by First Practice Management for the fifth year running. Respondents provided salary and bonus information as of April 1st 2009.

In 2007, bonuses accounted for 2.7 per cent of practice managers' income, but in 2008 the figure had dropped to 2.2 per cent, and now it has fallen to 1.5 per cent - some say hampering career development.

The average bonus is now £579, down from £785 in 2008, and the average of £951 in 2007.

According to the survey, the average manager's income is now £36,925, compared to £36,155 last year and £35,636 in 2007, although there are substantial differences based on location and practice size.

The news comes as campaigners said yesterday (July 27th) that European rules restricting junior doctors from working more than 48 hours a week should be suspended as the UK tackles the swine flu pandemic.