25th June 2013, 06:51 PM
Jack Wrote:I agree.
In the grander scheme of things, we don't dictate the price that the 'clients' pay us.....The client controls this with the threat of going to someone cheaper....
...The only ways of stopping this is illegal price fixing or stronger legislation, quality control including hefty fines for destroying archaeology (including not excavating/recording and publishing it properly) and accreditation of companies.
Actually there is another way. In Norway we don't have competitive tendering, but archaeological 'sponsors' can appeal to the National Antiquities Board if they think they are being overcharged and/or charged for something for which they are not liable. Appropriate charges are based on type of site and to a certain extent archaeological complexity. There are some costs which the archaeological museums are expected to pick up theirself which can't be charged to the developer....Such a system in the UK would eliminate undercutting at a stroke and if the charges were based around the level of a dignity wage could be the answer to the difficulties UK archaeology has with low pay...
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...