One important fact possibly not covered on here which potentially blows NATS' figures out of the water is this...
NATS is paid largely in Euro's by airlines. Over the course of the last 12 months (maybe less) The euro has gained in strengh by nearly 30% and there is no prospect of it recovering in the near future.
NATS' staff are paid in Sterling.
The result of this is that NATS' staff costs in real terms have reduced by 30% over the last year!
We don't see this in any 'we're in deep cak arguments' do we?