In the past, late 90’s/early noughties, some NATS staff who opted for VR, were rehired on a consultancy basis. I don’t know how that would work these days regards personal taxation, as the aforementioned VR was taxed anyway ?
I can think of dozens of people, mid to late fifties, who will bite their arm off to walk away. Than in itself has proved to be very counter productive. The ones who weren’t selected, literally “downed tools” and the atmosphere was appalling. I know of two individuals who sold up , bought whopping great plots of land and cars, etc, prematurely, to have the rug pulled from beneath their feet.Nepotism, unfortunately, plays a part in selection.
NATS and it’s Executive have their work cut out.