hanger 8
What a choice
Fly through has a good point about the NATS option, and also a valid down side to SERCO.
If you do go down the SERCO path, do make absolutely sure you get everything, and I mean the minutest detail, in writing, before you make any decision. Now read that sentence again - I can't emphasise how important it is.
Check out the pension, because they have closed the final salary scheme to newcomers, and I don't know what has taken its place. Also, talk with others to make sure you are being treated fairly(although I guess you'll be OK with TUPE). SERCO are infamous for taking on staff at an agreed salary of £xk, then when the new guy starts he finds everybody else is on £xk + 2,000. Too late to complain: you'll be told "We offered you £xk and you accepted". Same goes for allowances.
SERCO are also good at keeping the status quo for the first year, then gradually economising by not replacing staff who leave. The company call it 'Added Value', but that's management talk for screwing the staff who remain.
SERCO are a very strange organisation, who keep changing their management structures - I don't know whether I work for SERCO/IAL, SERCO Aerospace, or SERCO Aviation Services. Not that it matters, because there is a very flat management structure which means basically your life is ruled by your contract manager. Get a good one and you'll be OK. Get a t-sser and you'll be screwed. But that's life all round these days.
But I'll repeat: get absolutely everything in writing beforehand.
Strange, isn't it. There is supposed to be a shortage of ATCO's, but all the employers seem set on a strategy of deterring wannabees and p-ssing off those who remain.