25th May 2009, 06:22 AM
I think Mercenary has highlighted one of the big problems in the industry at the moment. Many of the archaeological units around the UK that have spent years building up 'core teams' are now discarding those posts further 'casualising' UK archaeology. As well as the instance that Mercenary refers to there are jobs losses to core teams in London and the Midlands. Any short term increase in 'field vacancies' would appear to be the classic example of the 'dead cat bounce' effect........
And this leaves us.......well there seems little indication that many/any archaeology students graduating this summer have any means of entry into the profession. Some of us have been saying for nearly a year now that this is potentially the biggest potential disaster facing UK archaeology; one where we have a literal lost generation. At the moment there doesn't seem to be many projects that continue over the winter of 2009/2010, suggesting that the 'new model' for UK archaeology may be both casual and intermittent.
I can't help but think that it isn't just a smaller and leaner industry that will emerge from this 'recession', but one that is closer to the early 1980s in its terms and conditions of employment and employee profile. I well remember the days when many of the established units (county, city and town) were in effect one person posts. We seem to be heading back that way.....Agree with Segovax...this post hasn't made anyone feel good has it?
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...
And this leaves us.......well there seems little indication that many/any archaeology students graduating this summer have any means of entry into the profession. Some of us have been saying for nearly a year now that this is potentially the biggest potential disaster facing UK archaeology; one where we have a literal lost generation. At the moment there doesn't seem to be many projects that continue over the winter of 2009/2010, suggesting that the 'new model' for UK archaeology may be both casual and intermittent.
I can't help but think that it isn't just a smaller and leaner industry that will emerge from this 'recession', but one that is closer to the early 1980s in its terms and conditions of employment and employee profile. I well remember the days when many of the established units (county, city and town) were in effect one person posts. We seem to be heading back that way.....Agree with Segovax...this post hasn't made anyone feel good has it?
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...