Have to agree with PhiltheReaper, that's exactly how I feel, I would love to work my socks off for NATS knowing I'm in a career that I could get up at any time of the day to do.
Been speaking to a few controllers tonight and it seems i've gathered more information/opinions. I got told quite some years ago that now was the perfect time to start applying because roughly now would see a huge increase in the amount of ATCOs retiring. It just seems that HR don't see this retirement stage being a big problem in the future.
Now, this is not fact, not even a strong rumour...but i've heard suggestions that even NATS Scottish Area Control Centre (SCACC) might not be recruiting until, well lets just say 2012 is a VERY long way from when they might position more people there. I think that because there are a lot either waiting to start at Prestwick/Swanwick or even the airports themselves, also people waiting to finish courses and loads waiting to start the courses, it could be a very long time before they are all through and the recruitment from the stages begins again.
I myself still feel like it is my dream to pursue a career in ATC, but increasingly more off putting for the moment with all of these delays. I will continue to pursue a different career in aviation, yet will always have my passion for ATC if it becomes available.