From 1st May 2021 all Fieldwork staff at Wessex Archaeology have been offered permanent contracts. These contracts offer greater stability and reflect a belief that Wessex can now manage the business without such a high degree of workforce flexibility.
As commercial archaeologists, we all play a critical role in facilitating key infrastructure projects and managing the historic environment across other areas of major economic activity, like renewables and housing.
Historically, fieldwork appointments have been on a fixed term contract basis due to the very variable nature of the work supply. Although the profession has matured and the ability to predict workflows has improved, fixed term contracts have persisted throughout the sector. Wessex now believe that they can manage the business without such a high degree of fixed term workforce.
As a leading archaeology organisation in the UK, Wessex believe it is important to make continuous efforts to improve the working environment and conditions for staff. Archaeology should be a viable and enjoyable career option, which supports and enhances the wellbeing of the professionals within it – this is a major step forward.
Wessex Archaeology hope that this change will provide greater stability in the lives of our fieldwork teams, better access to mortgages/finance, a greater sense of belonging to the Wessex team and the confidence to put down roots.