Connex, thank you.
I don't think anyone is doubting that with the right training Heathrow ATSAs could do a good job.
The main problem as I see it is the time issue. We've all been told that preparing the weather with SAMOS takes priority over any other task. That's fine with us too, all that will happen if someone calls me up on delivery with a flight plan query, or wants a ready message sent, I'll just be saying: "Standby, delay undetermined due staff shortage". If the other ATSA is doing the weather, and i'm on ground, I'll be asking for 6 miles spacing inbound for the duration of the ATSA's absence, as I have to do my own strips and sort out what stand they've been allocated.
As I understand it, they're even having problems arranging someone to deliver the training. It's quite ironic that if they end up having to send ATSAs down to Exeter for a course, they don't have enough staff to release anyone!