11th August 2008, 03:03 PM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by kevin wooldridge
I thought BAJRites might be interested in how this matter is dealt with here in Norway (or at least with the University of Oslo). For every night that we are away from Oslo central on field work we are entitled to an accomodation allowance (currently about ?34 per night). That allowance is paid retrospectively with our salary and is taxed (but at a lower rate than normal wages).
With the allowance the individual archaeologist pays for their own accomodation. If it works out cheaper per night than the allowance, you keep the difference. If it is more than the allowance, you make up the difference. We have had archaeologists who decide to spend their allowance living on camping sites whilst others have booked into the best available hotel. But it is at least a clear and understandable system and one which if adopted in UK archaeology would work. (I should add we also get a separate meal allowance which an individual can also decide to spend as little of or as much as they wish)
There are a number of things that have led to the development of the 'away job' system that operates here. These are some, I'm sure there are many more!
1. if you are booking your own accomodation it is often difficult to find something appropriate/affordable on your own. (and if you're sharing with other people, cooking for yourself is easier!)
2. Many people don't have enough up front money to pay for accomodation and then claim it back.
3. it is much safer for teams to be in the same accomodation rather than scattered around.
4. It is more effective for the company to have people together, so they can be picked up and taken to site in one vehicle in one go.