The 2019 Archaeological Market Survey report, funded by CIfA, FAME, and Historic Environment Scotland is now available. The report again shows record numbers working in archaeology and high levels of invested during the period surveyed.
Key findings:
- Archaeological employment grew by 7.8% in the year to March 2019 to an estimated 5,300 working in commercial archaeology and 7,200 overall in all sectors of archaeology.
- The size of the sector is £258m.
- Average turnover per member of staff £48,696, but median profit is just £50,000 per organisation.
- 87% of turnover is generated in England.
- 73% of funding comes from private sector.
- Residential development is the largest market, generating 34% of turnover.
- 68% of respondents see the economy deteriorating in the future. Only 27% think their team will grow in the next year.
- 86% are British nationals, 11% are from EU countries
- 80% work on permanent contracts
- 84% work full-time
- 23% of respondents have supported a member of staff to get an NVQ, while none have supported an Apprentice.
- Fieldwork is still the most in demand skill with 19% reporting a loss in this area, 52% buying in and 55% training staff in this skill. 29% of employers believe there is a sector-wide shortage in this area.
