14th March 2009, 03:01 PM
I think we can continue this theme as it is obviously a response to the effects of the recession on archaeological practice. I just think that we need to avoid naming 'names' and talk more about the principles (and maybe Chrysalis will get around to a small bit of editing soon....)
Back in the days when there were local units with 'defined' areas of work the question of subsistence/accomodation hardly ever arose. I remember we had a long campaign in London to get equal London weighting allowances for all archaeological staff, as for a time the outer London sections were paid less than the City section. But London was probably the only place in the country that got such an allowance. So maybe we are heading back to a situation that actually applied pretty much across the board and it is the payment of allowances/provision of digs that is more of an abberation.
I can't comment on previous custom and practice having not worked for either of the units undertaking this project, but it seems to me that they are at least being upfront and informing potential applicants of the situation well in advance (no-one can claim to be misled here). I am guessing that applicants who have somewhere to stay in the vicinity will be more interested than those who don't. Again it demonstrates maybe the endurance required of those who want to stay in archaeology through this recession.
![[Image: 3334488270_7156e71b8b_t.jpg]](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3405/3334488270_7156e71b8b_t.jpg)
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...
Back in the days when there were local units with 'defined' areas of work the question of subsistence/accomodation hardly ever arose. I remember we had a long campaign in London to get equal London weighting allowances for all archaeological staff, as for a time the outer London sections were paid less than the City section. But London was probably the only place in the country that got such an allowance. So maybe we are heading back to a situation that actually applied pretty much across the board and it is the payment of allowances/provision of digs that is more of an abberation.
I can't comment on previous custom and practice having not worked for either of the units undertaking this project, but it seems to me that they are at least being upfront and informing potential applicants of the situation well in advance (no-one can claim to be misled here). I am guessing that applicants who have somewhere to stay in the vicinity will be more interested than those who don't. Again it demonstrates maybe the endurance required of those who want to stay in archaeology through this recession.
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...