19th March 2006, 08:57 PM
Quote:quote:I think the point is that those on other professions who work on a contract basis do so through choice, not because there is no alternative.
When you say this are you talking about professions meaning professionals? I've had a lot of experience of non-professional temp work and it was NEVER out of preference over more secure work. And yes it is another tier taking their cut. My experience is that they take about 30-40% of the hourly wage. In effect temping wages are LOWER than equivalent secure positions, and with none of the benefits.
Now I understand agencies for teachers and nurses may be different, and the hourly wage is HIGHER. But as archaeology seems to have problems regarding itself as a profession I can see no reason why we would get [u]agency </u>pay levels rather than [u]temp </u>pay levels.