Has your 'friend' spoken to her Desk Officer? He / she is the only person who can action (if not initiate) the NE status. There will be a good reason behind it. The NE status is used to ensure the individual remains parented while unable to fill a post for whatever reason. There is no 'stitching' or 'shafting' just a procedure that has to be followed while they are not productive.
Loving the crewroom experts though!