As BEX so rightly said, the only way out is to TRAIN TRAIN TRAIN. But the local managers on the day, who are under pressure to reduce the headline delays, are regularly calling people back from the Simulator courses to control aircraft. Short term problem solved, but long term not solved as a day lost in the Sim is another day longer until those trainees have a chance of validation and thereby reduce the staff shortages.
Add to that the ORO's attempt (albeit unintentional) to get a part-timer in on overtime before any overtime deal has been signed and while part-timers are SPECIFICALLY excluded from overtime (understandable really, as they will be getting extra overtime money to work the same hours as their full-time colleagues) and you have your answer as to why this place is in a mess.
There were rumours yesterday that North Sea might have to be closed last night as well as Clacton, but it didn't happen in the end. Far East to London without going via North Sea or Clacton sectors would be a bit of a challenge!!
