Easy Street makes a good point about SO2 not being a rank. I served as an SO2 in uniform and then served as an SO2, as a contractor, in pinstripes.
The difference was, when I was in pinstripes, I was paid shed-loads more for an easier job.
I don't complain because the extra dosh helped me to enjoy my retirement (IIRC!!).
However, it seems a shame that the MOD lays off good, talented men and women, under whatever the latest scheme happens to be and then employs old snakeoil salesmen, like me, at twice the pay.
I agree we're not twice the cost; but even so ....
Rgds SOS