A Digger reader reveals the findings of his survey into UK archaeology ...

I left full-time, commercial archaeology two years ago and began work on a PhD at the University of Southampton. I wanted to examine commercial archaeology by using a previously untapped resource - the opinions of those within the profession!

There are two strands to my project: a series of interviews and an online survey to submit more detailed comments. I am now publishing the interim results to disseminate the information and to encourage more people to take part. More detailed articles will appear elsewhere and http://www.bajr.org is kindly hosting some of the written submissions, which tell their own story.

Participation has been fairly good, with responses now about 9% of my estimated total of 2,100 commercial archaeologists. Based on the IFA survey Profiling the Profession 2002/03, these responses appear to be broadly representative. I have, however, had a higher response rate from the under 30s than from those in their 40s. This may be a reflection of the sampling and of an under-representation of the under 30s in the IFA study.

Of my respondents, 37% believed that a rethink is needed in order to prevent a future crisis in commercial archaeology. 35% believed that it is already in crisis and needs urgent attention. However, of the latter group only 21% are currently trying to get out of the profession while 59% intended to remain as long as they can. This demonstrates the dedication most archaeologists feel to their job, even when they feel the profession is in crisis. The most disillusioned sector appears to be 26- 30 year olds of whom 34% are currently trying to get out.

The under 30s represented 42% of all respondents. Of these 28% were IFA members; 16% couldn’t afford to join; 15% felt the IFA wasn’t relevant to them; 7% would never join, but 31% would consider joining. In this age group 12% were members of Prospect, with 9% members of other unions. 18% didn’t believe there was any point in joining a union, but a stunning 60% would consider it.

In comparison 31-40 year olds represented 36% of all respondents (making over three quarters of all respondents under 40). Of this age group 33% were IFA members and 30% Prospect members. 32% and 33% would consider joining the IFA and a union respectively. This makes this age group statistically the most actively ‘involved.’

There is much interesting data to be had by getting it straight from the source, and this research has the potential to be the most detailed study of professional archaeologists ever undertaken. I hope that everyone reading The Digger will get involved.

Visit http://www.invisiblediggers.net to
have your say. - Paul Everill

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