Art Field
It is comforting to note that the decision is subject to Trade Union consultation, are the services really dependent on the unions to agree policy matters now ?.
Whether you agree or not, the answer is yes. I had the unfortunate experience of having to consult with the Union’s in Northern Ireland in the late 90s (a bunch of Unions that appeared to have missed the Thatcherite reforms and restrictions of the 80s). The experience can best be described as slightly worse that eating your own eye balls.
The MOD is considered the same as all Government Departments in this respect and has done for a considerable length of time (pre-dating Mr Blair’s accession).