On 10 May 2020, the UK Government published updated guidance on returning to work in England, as some Coronavirus lockdown measures were eased and selected professions encouraged to return to work if they are able to safely and can not work from home. The Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Public Health Agency Northern Ireland have their also issued their own advice.  

What does all this this mean for archaeology in the UK? 

For those working commercially, the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) website has regularly updated Coronavirus guidance, and recently posted an update on site working.  

The Federation of Archaeological Managers and Employers (FAME) have a collection of resources relating to ensuring health and safety during the pandemic. Both CIfA and FAME have endorsed the trade union Prospect’s Archaeology branch’s COVID-19 working advice. You can follow Prospect Archaeology on Twitter for any updates to this document.  

For those working on community projects or in a voluntary context, please continue to follow the government advice relevant to your area. We are still instructing CBA volunteers and YAC groups to carry out their activities from home, and CBA staff continue to work remotely until such time as we are advised that we can enter the office safely. Our own Festival of Archaeology, due to take place in July, has now been reframed as a week of digital activity in the summer, with face to face events held back until the Autumn, when we hope such activity can be enjoyed safely.  

We will continue to monitor the latest advice on staying safe during the period of disruption caused by Coronavirus and share with our members and followers. If you’re looking for ways to continue to engage with archaeology from home, don’t forget to check out our Archaeology Resources Hub and our free Dig School programme for secondary learners.