Posts: 0
Threads: 0
Joined: Nov 2005
13th November 2009, 02:17 PM
A useful step might be for the IfA or a similarly appropriate body or bodies to go out to universities and give undergraduates a good idea of what to expect in the wonderful world of commercial archaeology, and, more importantly what to consider acceptable wages and working practices. Start early and it might make a difference, at least for those who go through uni. Have such schemes been tried?
Posts: 0
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2004
13th November 2009, 02:28 PM
This is indeed happening... and BAJR is one of them. There are also moves afoot to deal with other aspects that you suggest
For really I think that the poorest he that is in England hath a life to live, as the greatest he
Thomas Rainborough 1647
Posts: 0
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2004
13th November 2009, 05:33 PM
I think a touch of realism is needed. Times are hard. Anybody who thinks things were better before competitive tendering clearly did not experience it. Many more archaeologists have a half decent lifestyle thanks to it.
I have yet to see any archaeological firm charge out diggers at ?250 a day and any firm who tried charging this will out of business very quickly. The difference in pay and charge out rates is large - it is bound to be. There have been increased burdens placed upon the employer by the government, the IFA and bajr in terms of holidays and pensions for example. A rule of thumb is that the charge out rate should be at least twice as much as the wages.
The current 10% loss of jobs in archaeology is not as bad as it could be all things considered - it should be much much worse. I suspect many firms are employing people at a loss so they do not have to make more people redundant. In the circumstances any pay increase would be inappropriate. Simple choice pay more and make people redundant or pay less and have more people employed.
Peter Wardle
Posts: 0
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2005
13th November 2009, 05:45 PM
Regarding the suggestion that BAJRites should get out and tell it to students like it is.....I gave just such a talk at Cambridge Uni a couple of years back and did similar at Bradford even further back in the past. I know David has done similar and maybe even Troll once or twice. I did post a suggestion on the BAJRfed Students group that any students who feel that such a talk would be useful, only need to ask and I am sure that one or other of us 'more experienced' (OK elderly) BAJRites could probably be persuaded to perform....For my own personal gain it might cost you a packet of biscuits a train fare and a pint.....
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...
Posts: 0
Threads: 0
Joined: Nov 2009
15th November 2009, 10:39 PM
On the course I did several years back, we got a talk from a chap who was working in commercial archaeology in London & whilst it didn't put me off going into the profession, it gave me a good idea of the pluses & minuses of the business. I also seem to remember my course convenor reckoning IfA membership was potentially handy.
I've been asked to do a talk early next year about the profession, which I hope will happen. If there's any points that people think it's worth me covering, give me a shout. I'll definately be getting them to check out Diggers Forum, IfA & BAJR for further info!
Posts: 0
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2004
15th November 2009, 11:08 PM
Good on ya
And yes IfA is handy... it should however be something that everyone sees as essential. I leave it there.
If you want anything from BAJR.. give us a bell. info@bajr.org
For really I think that the poorest he that is in England hath a life to live, as the greatest he
Thomas Rainborough 1647
Posts: 0
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2006
16th November 2009, 02:26 PM
Digging the dirt - I think others have expanded on it after me, and more eruditely than I might have. David's point about not working for people who pay badly is sort of the same I think (for example).
And I think I agree that we should be concentrating on keeping the good/experienced people in archaeology.
And finally, I do not wish to contradict the very experienced Dr Wardle, but I have indeed seen a number of projects where staff were charged out at ?250 per day or more. However, not necessarily for PIfA level responsibilities.
Posts: 0
Threads: 0
Joined: Oct 2008
17th November 2009, 09:09 PM
Not strictly on topic, but have people seen this from the Guardian?
"What do people get paid? The latest salary survey results" at
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/...y-ashe-ons
Archaeology isn't mentioned but the following are (to take a few):
horticultural trades ?16802
gardeners ?17677
foresty workers ?18591
archivists and curators ?27659
conservation and environemtnal protection ?27938.
If you take the IFA minimum PIFA pay then Field Archaeologists are nestled between childcare and receptionists and only 5 places above shelf filling.
Just an interesting thing to ponder? :face-crying:
Posts: 7
Threads: 3
Joined: Mar 2009
24th November 2009, 02:37 PM
interesting Squeejay....
need to also consider numbers of people needed for differnt jobs - ie fewer archivists and conservation proffesionals are needed than field workers for a excavtion...
25th November 2009, 09:39 PM
Don't need to consider it any more thankfully, am finally out of the need to rely on commercial archaeology for a living.
