Crisis ? What Crisis? A Way forward?

[Velociraptor]

BAJR Host says: "Short Term...what do we do now!"

I reply: "I cannot suggest anything as a sure-solution. HOPE IT GETS BETTER AFTER CHRISTMAS?"

BAJR Host asks: "how do we turn into a real profession, with solid govt legislation to back it up?"

I reply: I cannot envisage vast changes to how things are (except lower tenders and shorter contracts), in this present "economic climate".

I recall a conversation with Dirty Dave (in our local pub).
I said something like:

"The problem is, Archaeology in the UK is a PROFESSION PERMANENTLY DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF?
If they had organised it like the Civil Service, that is, there would be just one large unit per county, funded by government, then yes....you would get a more stable national archaeology career structure. The reality is, that government does not want to fund archaeology to a great degree so Privatisation came in.....so units forever tender against each other....hence they are DIVIDED against each other - economically, if not academically".

I still think that...and I cannot think how this situation could be radically changed?

My "fear" is that the government will somehow stimulate the Building Industry, to get out of the recession AND relax the amount of archaeology requirements (and less Newt and Badger inspections too?) just to speed the Building Industry on its way?

I hope not!

I shall end this reply with what seems to be fast-becoming my catch-phrase....
"HOPE IT GETS BETTER AFTER CHRISTMAS?"

[BAJR Host]

My "fear" is that the government will somehow stimulate the Building Industry, to get out of the recession AND relax the amount of archaeology requirements (and less Newt and Badger inspections too?) just to speed the Building Industry on its way?


My fear too.... hence the rather urgent thought... the short term is all but lsot.... we know whats going to happen...PREPARE!

"Gie's a Job.."
Prof. 'Dolly' Parton

[gorilla]

This from yesterday's Independent (so its got to be true... right!)

Downturn forces Brown to scale back Queen's Speech

Gordon Brown's legislative programme for next year has been streamlined at the last minute to enable the Government to focus on the ailing economy. Previously announced plans to curb cigarette sales, set up a giant database of phone records and boost protection for ancient monuments are to be delayed by ministers.

As alarm grows in Labour ranks over the muted response to the pre-Budget report (PBR), this week's Queen's Speech has been overhauled to put the emphasis on helping small firms and families. Six months ago, Mr Brown announced plans for at least 18 Bills for the Queen's Speech, which sets out the Government's plans for the next parliamentary session. But several have been stripped out, with at least four being postponed by the Government.

... The Heritage Protection Bill, overhauling the listing system for historic buildings and monuments, has also been dropped.

Sigh

[voice of reason]

this was announced informally about a month ago and is unlikely to see the light of day before any election in 2010 and so possibly never in the form that was envisaged.