11th January 2011, 12:26 AM
Re accomodation.
Here in Norway archaeologists are paid a daily allowance for accomodation and meals and then arrange their own place to stay. Sure the allowance is taxable and sure it only covers the bottom end of the B&B or cheap motel or youth hostel range, but at least it does offer some choice. In exceptional circumstances e.g if you are working somewhere where accomodation is prohibitively expensive and costs more than the daily allowance, the cost can be billed directly back to the project, but that is quite unusual. Of course people still moan (Archaeologist - it's the nature of the beast to moan!!), but it does avoid the 'social dumping' level of accomodation alluded to by Dinosaur.
I am surprised that UK units don't take a similar approach....
Here in Norway archaeologists are paid a daily allowance for accomodation and meals and then arrange their own place to stay. Sure the allowance is taxable and sure it only covers the bottom end of the B&B or cheap motel or youth hostel range, but at least it does offer some choice. In exceptional circumstances e.g if you are working somewhere where accomodation is prohibitively expensive and costs more than the daily allowance, the cost can be billed directly back to the project, but that is quite unusual. Of course people still moan (Archaeologist - it's the nature of the beast to moan!!), but it does avoid the 'social dumping' level of accomodation alluded to by Dinosaur.
I am surprised that UK units don't take a similar approach....
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...