Gents,
I’ve read this thread with interest. As a KK based pilot, and have spent many many hours at Shanwick/LATCC over the past 30 years can I make the following observations from my own pilot perspective.
Firstly KK DIR has closed several times for a few hours deep in the night for staff shortage. NATS has always scheduled the controller breaks/closures as so not to impact any scheduled operations. Unlike the summer season Ops they can get away with this without any impact on customers, airlines/passengers. I recognise other issues that effect ATCO availability in the winter - training/refresher requirements. EXCDS is an exceptional change this winter for training needs and hence off watch time, shortages at times are to be expected.....
Gatwick DIR is operated by a different company from the Tower positions so there is no comparison.