Muppit
Fair point on the first question, but maybe its to cover "natural wastage"? Better to be training now before you are short rather than waiting until after it happens.
Do you really have "dregs" and controllers
who are, by inference, not competent at LGW.
Surely not.
Be glad you're still at your OR even with these reductons. Most units have been operating below it for years! I'm sure someone will offer to move to further their careers, then again maybe not!
All the best...