In keeping with the management agreement with the unions it will be VR. Like many companies, NATS is taking the opportunity to shed staff to show the world that we are a leaner and definately MEANER
company. If NATS reports a high profit as expected, the airlines will want a slice too. I look forward to taking a long look at the business brief when announced. Talking of support staff, many are ex/current ATCO's as well as ATSA (T&S) grades. There has been a great deal of 'slash and burn' in some areas of systems development.
I understand that the last VR round was over subscribed so there is scope already. I also expect VR to be offered in areas not previously touched. Even some nonop ATCO's may be offered a wheel barrrow!
Maybe the promotion ban (was that negiotiated with the union? why didn't the union let staff know?
) will be lifted!