Letter Bombs
DON'T BE PUT OFF WORKING IN
IRELAND
I was dismayed to read the recent article
about an archaeologist’s experience working in Ireland
(Digger 28). The
treatment that person received was outrageous, unprofessional
and insulting. I’m equally disappointed to say I’m not
surprised, having worked in commercial rescue archaeology
in Ireland since 1996. I’ve heard several similar horror
stories from friends working for particular companies.
I know the person who wrote the article; I know the
story is true.
Yet I have to say that the statement
'don’t go to Ireland' is a bit harsh and mildly offensive.
Yes such incidents happen, yes they raise the question
of professionalism and ethical conduct in Irish archaeology
but please don’t tar the entire profession in Ireland
with the same brush. Professionally, ethically, in terms
of organisation and pay there are companies over here
who try to maintain and push up standards in all aspects
of archaeology. There are also individual archaeologists
in all levels of the ‘cowboy’ companies who try their
best to work to the highest standards, often under difficult
conditions, and I’m not talking about the weather. I
have worked with archaeologists from the UK who have
grim stories on the conduct of some units in Britain.
Improper conduct happens in all professions,
it’s up to those of us who care to try to right any
wrongs. Please don’t be put off coming to Ireland. Perhaps
I can persuade a couple of my English friends here to
write positive accounts for you. They came over a couple
of years ago and show no signs of leaving. Indeed, it’s
tough enough to get them out of the pub.
LIVERPOOL'S PAST IS BEING DESTROYED
In 2008 Liverpool will be European
City of Culture, a great chance for the city to celebrate
its heritage. Massive injections of money and new development
should put the city firmly on the map. Liverpool was
an important medieval centre, chartered in 1207. In
the industrial revolution, Liverpool was one of the
most important cities in Europe, the docklands were
the biggest and busiest around. But the reality is that
Liverpool’s heritage is being destroyed. There is a
tremendous backlog in planning applications. No archaeological
investigation takes place in or around the city. There
is no county tendering list, no proper established commercial
unit, and a workforce that cannot find work.
This is not the fault of the county
archaeologist, rather the system that she has to work
within. I think pressure should be put on the council
to provide funds to deal with applications. I am just
one of many professional archaeologists who are desperate
to work in the place where I live. But as it stands
I am not able to. So it is time to do something else,
and I am not alone in having to do this. I feel that
The Digger is starting to carry some weight and maybe
some pressure could be put on.
TOLD TO SIGN ON TO BOOST LOW WAGE
I recently finished a degree in ancient history and archaeology.
Most of my field experience consisted of unskilled,
slave, manual labour, so I decided to gain some practical
experience before doing my masters. Unfortunately no
one wants to pay you to train and on principle I will
not work for nothing and I cannot afford to anyway.
However, I was recently offered some
paid training on a university run excavation at UKP150
a week. This is below minimum wage. When I questioned
this I was informed that it is cash in hand so I can
still sign on. I was also told that I would be provided
with free food and a field to pitch my tent. I have
worked on the side in the past but do not wish to do
it any more. But if I sign off to take the job I will
not be that much better off. Also, I will have no record
of work for the month of the excavation so there will
be problems when I try to sign on again. I would like
to report the bastards but feel it may make it harder
for me to get work in archaeology in the future.
NO LUCK WITH JOBS IN EUROPE
This is not a story of great success
and riches gained in the wonderful world of archaeology
outside Britain. I’ve been employed by units in the
Midlands almost continuously since graduating in 1996.
But I fancied a change earlier this year so I quit my
job and moved to Vienna to find archaeological work
somewhere in Europe. Couldn't be that hard could it?
However, three months later I am still
unemployed. To date I have applied to around 100 contracting
archaeological companies within mainland Europe with
about a 15 per cent reply rate (probably the same as
in Britain if you scattered your CV to the wind). I've
had some very nice replies but the underlying problem
seems to be the depressed economy. This was quoted in
over half the replies I received. The only success I’ve
had is securing a contract for next summer in Austria.
But this is even worse paid than in Britain!
So the moral of my story is that archaeology
seems to be in a pretty bad state over the whole of
Europe. If you fancy a job abroad I would suggest you
sort it before you go! I'm coming back to the delights
of the British winter soon before the bank sends the
bailiffs after me!
November
2003
