Crisis? What crisis?

Archaeology under pressure in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Archaeology in the UK is facing a series of challenges which potentially threaten current systems for delivering archaeological services and training new generations of professionals. Some of these are external problems, such as proposed changes to the planning system and the realignment of government priorities for culture and education; others are long-standing internal issues, like the persistently poor profitability of ‘commercial’ archaeology, and the lack of diversity in the sector. However, the profession is often unable – and in some cases unwilling – to develop long-term solutions to these challenges. There are potential opportunities to reshape professional archaeology in the UK for the better, but embedded interests make change difficult.