3 controllers rostered for a night shift is the norm and has been for 15+ years.
This is not solely an ANS, or any other ‘non NATS’ problem.
This is not the first time Gatwick has been closed for periods overnight due staff shortage in recent times but it is the first time it is due to tower shortages.
It is all too easy to have a pop at the smaller ATC providers but staff shortages are a problem all over the UK, including NATS, and are unlikely to improve for some time.