I will allow one or two to validate their rating in the middle of next year so that they can get a step on the ladder
Well that's very kind of you.
Do you actually have
full SRG Approval to provide an ATC Service at Dunsfold yet? Do tell.
There are plenty of ATCOs available who could fill the job spec', it's probably more of a case that with your attitude, no one wants to work for you.