They are on two weeks leave to "recuperate and recover". Apparently this also includes finding an agent and flogging their stories around the press. Pitiful. If they are fit enough for that, they should be back on a plane (NOT first class) to the ship were the rest of the crew are having to cover duties, watches and work for them.
Does it say "government puppet" in their job descriptions - and does the Official Secrets Act and "contact with the press" no longer count?