22nd March 2006, 08:10 AM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by Tile man
I disagree - I don't think too many would be willing to countenance an overnight 13% rise to their costs (and probably much more when other employer contributions are taken into account) which could not be uniliaterally enforced by universitys and Local government organisations, and which would not be binding on two thirds of their competiters to begin with.
It seems that university based units may have more flexibility with pay rates than has been previously suspected. Birmingham Archaeology (the university based contracting unit) are currently advertising pay rates on BAJR that are 4.8% higher than the wage they were paying archaeologists last year.
Excepting a 5% across the board rise by ASC Ltd of Milton Keynes, this is by far the largest increase in advertised basic wage rates to come through this year (so far!!). Both companies are paying well in advance of the recommended IFA minima increase. Maybe there is something in the Midlands water!!