RD ,
I'd say they either cut a deal or were "worth" the early release.
My money is on the latter, as it has not even been two weeks since their "weekend away", so their notice is very,very, recent !
WRT Payrise's the money is always there, it just needs to be budgeted for , just like any other expense .
Perhaps the tumble drier down below 50 north needs to be on a slower setting.
