The Fat Controller
the biggest issue with leaving NATS and the UK is how to fund your pension.
Yep, that's the big Q.
Serco have a scheme and GCAA have not a lot on that score. Essentially you lay yourself open to the financial markets. The rules have recently changed with respect to the UK State pension in that one doesn't have to have 46 years of subscription to the scheme, now somewhere in the 30 yr band and payable by Class 3 subscripts. Also, once overseas for over a year and with declared non residency status you are no longer eligible for the NHS. N.B. If you are involved in a medical emergency while on a visit to the UK the NHS is obligated to treat you. (Bonus!)
If TCASClimb has sufficient years in NATS he has several pension options open to him but I would suggest the use of a good accountant/actuary before taking the jump but not many accounts/actuaries would be aware of the implications of working overseas.
Personally, having left NATS, and gone down the route I would expect to accumulate more in total by working overseas. The UAE has a cut off enforced retirement age of 58 yrs at the ACC whilst in Bahrain the cut off is 60 yrs.
The NATS pension scheme is a very effective Golden Handcuffs but, then again, the thought of doing the same old two/three sectors at an ACC 'til the end of one's days is a bit grim!
With due respect to HD where having one's whole career at EGLL, excluding the transfer to EGTT, the same questions would not arise. It would be marvelous to both start and finish at EGLL. No need to go anywhere else.
Cheers
P.S. HD, the Benjamin Button of ATC, excellent career path