I asked the horses mouth a month ago as part of my curious mind season.
Reply is below (don't forget this is licence holders - these people may not be active).
>>>>
Hi
thanks for the e-mail
there are currently around 2,400 UK CAA licensed air traffic controllers
Regards
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CAA Corp Comms
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From: Brian XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sent: 17 February 2008 12:07
To: CAA Press Office
Subject: Active ATCO Licence Holders
Hello,
Just a quick question, I figured the press office we’re the most likely to know the answer with the least of fuss.
I’m an air traffic controller. How many controllers are there in the UK?
The answer can be quickly found by counting the number of active ATC Licences in the system.
Basically, I want to brag to my mates that only XXX people in the UK are trained to do what I do. Whatever the figure, I reckon it will be impressive.
Kindest regards,
Brian