Alfred
I agree with your fact in part. Yes, 64% of personnel leave around their 3-9 year point, but it is the costly 20% that leave around their 16-24 year immediate pension point that I suggest is being targetted. The very few that go the full way to 55 (soon to be 60) number less than 2%.
There are HUGE savings to be had if you reduce the number that make an immediate pension point or early departure point. So in the spirit of the greatest conspiracy theories, it is suggested that the perceived erosion of terms and conditions has been done in a targetted manner in order to reduce the pension burden.
"Get 'em in while they're keen, use them while they're young and then get 'em out before they cost too much" - sounds like a manning strategy to me!
LJ