Alloy - thank you very much for your prompt response!
I had been made aware (through the rumour tree) of training backlog over the last few months, and, putting 2 and 2 together, thought that this might have some particular impact upon recruitment over this period.
Either way, I'm hoping that the non T/R hold pools aren't too deep just yet! The news on future recruitment being inevitable is certainly enough to give heart to those of us who are waiting and hoping still.
Very many thanks