The Federation of Archaeological Managers and Employers (FAME) and CIfA have published the 2024-25 State of the Archaeological Market report, which can be viewed by following this link.
Some key highlights of the State of the Archaeological Market report include:
- 4,935 people worked in UK development-led archaeology during 2024-25.
- 84% of archaeologists working in this sector have permanent contracts of employment.
- 88% of UK-based staff were British nationals.
- The sector reported an aggregate profit level of 3.7%.
- On average, organisations won 41% of the tenders they submitted.
- Residential development was the largest market sector for development-led archaeology in 2024-25.
The report provides a wealth of information on the size and nature of the archaeology market in the UK and its contribution to the wider economy, generating statistics that allow an estimation of the total value of the sector to the economy. This data helps to forecast future demand for archaeological services, and deepens understanding of the sector, which enables CIfA and FAME to target resources and support their members, as well as highlighting the valuable contribution archaeology makes to society.
The data collected will enable analysis of the long-term sustainability of the sector, and facilitate informed lobbying to help protect the nation’s heritage. The report is also an important source of data to support CIfA and FAME’s skills advocacy in the heritage sector, and for understanding skills gaps and needs, informing our support for the sector in meeting those needs.
Kate Geary, Co-CEO of CIfA, said: “The State of the Market report series provides essential labour market intelligence that underpins CIfA’s strategic priorities and shapes our advocacy and sector support. The 2024–25 report demonstrates the sector’s value while highlighting key challenges, particularly skills shortages. We look forward to working with FAME and partners across the sector to address these challenges and maximise value.”
Chris Brayne, CEO at FAME, said: “It’s great that we have been able to work with CIfA to produce the 17th year of survey data on the state of development-led archaeology in the UK. This is the longest-running yearly survey of any archaeological sector in the world and a great achievement for all involved.”