GeoAC, as crazy as this may sound your son stands more of a chance in the future if the hard decisions are taken now. The alternative to making large redundancies now would be to bear the bulge, have long holds and reduce the intake downstream (we have made that mistake before). There is no simple or painless answer but cuts now mean a healthier system in 2 years time. Although those leaving soon will be deeply upset, the chances are the pain would have been prolonged if they had stayed. I wish them well.