9th December 2011, 11:26 PM
There is nothing to stop anyone setting up as a sole trader in archaeology. True. But sole trader status doesn't necessarily guarantee you work. Also true. If we forget for a moment the RO issue and ask the question: Does a curator have the right to question the ability of an archaeological contractor to undertake a specific job...I would say 'Yes'. Does a curator have the right to throw an archaeological contractor off a job (assuming the contractor is in all other terms obeying the law of the land). I would say probably: No ... however the sting in the tail for any developer using an archaeological contractor who is not capable of achieving the brief or specification set by the curator is whether they are able to discharge the planning condition. Surely at the end of the day it is the developers duty to ensure that happens if they wish their development to go ahead. The curator in that sense is only there to make sure they have done as instructed to obtain their permission to develop....
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...