Flexibilty and a zero hours contract the way ahead for RN.
Perhaps a more part time service is required? I've mooted this before and got roundly blasted for it, but I think for a lot of people service life would be a lot more enjoyable if they actually spent less away doing say, a utterly repetitive patrol getting a standard wage, as against volunteering for periods away and then being paid very well for when they are away.
6 months RN work say down the wherever= good wage/then rest of the 6 months you are non operational and you get a very much reduced retainer (with the opportunity to work as a civvy doing whatever you can or want to)..
See that as a future for the RN at least, if I'm honest I cant see an alternative. No one seems to want to stay in... especially technical trades as the money is so much better outside.
I think people would sign up for it.