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Every Tuesday we send out the MedComms Networking email newsletter to subscribers. It includes brief commentary on what we're doing and planning, and highlights relevant news to encourage sharing of information, experiences and ideas and to stimulate discussion. The text and links included below, by definition, were accurate on the day of publication, but may then become outdated.
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MedComms Networking - 06 April 2021
Hi
Shhh... don't talk too loudly, today sees the introduction of new off-payroll working (IR35) tax rules in the UK that will now govern how some, maybe many, freelancers are commissioned. The global medical communications business depends on a motivated, highly skilled and experienced community of specialist freelancers. But it's proven impossible to get meaningful, public discussion about how these changes might play out in MedComms. I've tried and failed.
Certainly, it's clear, from discussions amongst our MedComms Workbook freelance subscribers, there are some interesting indemnity clauses being added into contracts by their clients! Indeed, it seems more time is being spent arguing about contracts than doing actual work. It's perhaps noteworthy that freelancers are saying "no" to work.
The unintended consequences will be intriguing. Experiences will depend heavily on individual circumstances.
Some freelancers are simply giving up and taking permanent work. Or taking early retirement. Some will notice nothing.
There must be stories to tell, as new policies bed in. I'd love to hear them. Please share.
Meanwhile, for many of us, today is also the start of a new financial year. And for MedComms Networking activity, importantly it marks the start of a new sponsorship year. So, please, a huge shout out for the current Sponsors of MedComms Networking. I can't do all this in the way that I do, providing access to so many MedComms activities and resources so freely, without them. So thanks, all, for sticking with us. It means we can survive to fight for #MedComms for another year at least.
Last week I ran an Extra #MedComms Webinar with Ergonomics Specialist, James Crow that, frankly, was packed with free practical advice about working effectively and safely at our desks. Everyone should watch it. We should take individual responsibility, but employers also need to support staff. Watch the video here.
Our regular weekly #MedComms Webinar featured Cassidy Fiford (Medical Writer, Oxford PharmaGenesis) and Danny Hawker (Senior Medical Writer, Ashfield MedComms) talking about their own journeys into MedComms and their current roles. That should be useful to any wannabes. Watch the video here.
Tomorrow, we'll talk about Extending the reach of medical publications: What's to discuss? with Jon Lynne-Davies (TrendMD), Ana Bozas (Director, Global Medical Communications, Akcea Therapeutics) and Jamie Weiss (Head of Global Publications, LEO Pharma). We'll explore different ways to ensure the science is seen/read and understood by the intended audience and ask; what are the challenges in doing so? What has been successful? How was success measured? Everyone's welcome. Register here.
And next week, on Wednesday 14 April, I'm looking forward to chatting with Dan Buckland and Tom Evans, specialists from Brandcast Health, who will give us an introduction to the User Experience (UX) discipline, how it should be integrated into a project process, what value it can add, and how working with a UX consultant can bridge the gap between strategy, content and design. Please, join us
Stay well everyone. There's lots more coming.
Cheers
Peter Llewellyn
Managing Director, NetworkPharma Ltd
Follow me on Twitter @NetworkPharma
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The information at MedCommsNetworking.com is always bang up-to-date!
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