3rd February 2009, 01:52 PM
I have to say, as a self-employed archaeologist, I think this issue needs sorting out in several ways. Is it possible for the IFA to get definitive tax and employment advice on all the issues surrounding specialist/freelance work? Or indeed establish an IFA/BAJR day rate minima for self employed? I believe there was one worked out for finds specialists which was about ?200 a day (as an aside, would specialists want this? Many I feel would not). The accommodation issue as well needs sorting once and for all. Should the IFA take legal advice (are they already?) and then put out a definitive note to their members? Freelance will probably increase over the next couple of years, what effects will this have on the industry and freelancers?
The existing BAJR guide to self-employment is not really designed for those wanting to be self-employed, more is a guide to why some units insistence on saying you are self-employed are wrong. A few months ago I talked to David about a new, more 'positive' and all-encompassing self employed guide, possibly with lists/contacts etc. I don't have the experience to write a definitive guide, but could list the things I wanted to know, and those I do know. Phoning the tax man will normally sort you out, but what about things like writing contracts, or terms and conditions? The AAIS has a pro-forma contract on its website for illustration work, is this something BAJR Fed could provide? I doubt it if it remains free.
Personally, although I am a freelance, I don't think it is the future for archaeological employment and wouldn't recommend it unless you had some serious contacts, excellent reputation, and some 'guaranteed' gigs lined up to form the backbone of your year. It can be good money, and give freedom (at a price), but can fall apart very easily (trust me).
With regard to TTeam, Dr Wardle may well consider working for ?70 a day on the odd occasion within a wider year of (self)employment, doing the odd sub-rate job is fine. Lots of us do it. As a daily day rate however, it sucks.
The existing BAJR guide to self-employment is not really designed for those wanting to be self-employed, more is a guide to why some units insistence on saying you are self-employed are wrong. A few months ago I talked to David about a new, more 'positive' and all-encompassing self employed guide, possibly with lists/contacts etc. I don't have the experience to write a definitive guide, but could list the things I wanted to know, and those I do know. Phoning the tax man will normally sort you out, but what about things like writing contracts, or terms and conditions? The AAIS has a pro-forma contract on its website for illustration work, is this something BAJR Fed could provide? I doubt it if it remains free.
Personally, although I am a freelance, I don't think it is the future for archaeological employment and wouldn't recommend it unless you had some serious contacts, excellent reputation, and some 'guaranteed' gigs lined up to form the backbone of your year. It can be good money, and give freedom (at a price), but can fall apart very easily (trust me).
With regard to TTeam, Dr Wardle may well consider working for ?70 a day on the odd occasion within a wider year of (self)employment, doing the odd sub-rate job is fine. Lots of us do it. As a daily day rate however, it sucks.