Prospect celebrates the skills and value of heritage workers in Parliamentary reception
On Wednesday 23rd November over 20 heritage reps, industry stakeholders and politicians from across the political spectrum joined Prospect in the House of Lords’ Attlee Room, to celebrate the work of Prospect’s Heritage Group and raise awareness of an increasing pay crisis in the sector.
Political guests included the Minister for Arts and Heritage Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, Baroness Bonham Carter of Yanbury, Baroness Hooper and Tim Loughton MP.
Prospect represents a growing membership of over 10,000 professional and specialist roles across the UK’s heritage sector, working in curatorial, conservation, archaeology and visitor services. Prospect’s ‘World class heritage, second class pay’ campaign sheds light on the cost-of-living crisis our members now face, despite the huge economic and social value they bring to UK society.
The reception, which was co-hosted by Baroness Hayman of Ullock, considered the research presented by the campaign, and stressed the need for increased funding and safeguarding of the sector.
Speakers at the reception included:
- Prospect’s Senior Deputy General Secretary Sue Ferns
- Chair of Prospect’s Heritage Group Angela Gannon
- Prospect National Secretary Ben Middleton who is responsible for the Heritage Group
- Prospect representative from the National Trust Lewis Robinson
- Baroness Sue Hayman.
Prospect’s Senior Deputy General Secretary Sue Ferns celebrated the contribution that heritage makes to our economy and society and drew attention to the sector as underfunded and undervalued by government.
Angela Gannon, chair of the Heritage Group, discussed how heritage brings a sense of belonging, identity and connection to all and contributes hugely to the post-pandemic revival of the economy. She spoke about the real-life effects of funding cuts, which have led to increased workloads, a lack of career development opportunities and a poor work-life balance.
Prospect National Secretary Ben Middleton discussed his background as an archaeologist, and how many issues prevalent during his time in the sector remain today, exacerbated by the current cost-of-living crisis. He talked about the need to implement effective career progression mechanisms through improved pay systems, which would stem the loss of professionals in the sector and reduce workload.
Lewis Robinson from the National Trust told the audience about the individual stories behind the statistics, explaining the many personal sacrifices he has made to pursue a career in the heritage sector. He stressed the importance of duty of care from employers and noted how without this and with incomes failing to cover essential costs, more people are leaving the sector than ever.
Baroness Hayman outlined how she recently gained a better understanding of the crisis that heritage workers face at Prospect’s photo-call at Parliament Square in June and stated that the sector needs recognition from government as a career that deserves proper funding.
The reception served as a great opportunity to demonstrate the value of heritage workers in British society, and raise awareness of low pay in the sector, a matter of real concern during the cost-of-living crisis.
As continued pay cuts lead to reduced staff, increased workload, and loss of skills, the sector’s contribution to the economy is increasingly at risk. “Prospect will continue to campaign for the specialist work of heritage professionals across the country to be recognised and reflected in their pay, and for Britain’s extensive cultural heritage and historical research to be protected.”
Prospect’s Senior Deputy General Secretary Sue Ferns says:
“Despite their crucial work in promoting British culture and protecting historical institutions across the country, pay for heritage professionals remains significantly lower than jobs in other sectors requiring similar skills.
“Heritage workers are the guardians of our history and culture. Failing to pay them adequately threatens not only their living standards, but also the future of our world-leading cultural and heritage sector.”
