BA under Cruz have taken the decision to cut as much cost as they can - Buy On Board, outsourcing of IT, and probably more that we on the outside aren't party to. (Minimising) Cost is King, and any department head that can cut their area's bottom line will be encouraged to do so. Strategically the growth of Norwegian and other Lo-Cos seem to have thoroughly spooked them, and it seems they are trying to compete on cost - whether that's the right way of doing things I've no idea. I've got my opinion, but I'll save that for the spotters forums.
What does this mean for aircrew? I've been saying it for a while, sweating the assets. No more recruitment until BA are on the verge of a schedule collapse, or outsource some routes at a lower "cost" via a bit of creative accounting. Those currently employed will be asked to work longer, for less, and probably a raid on Ts & Cs also. It wouldn't surprise me if an Irish Subsidiary gets set up too, like SAS are planning.
But, I've been called out for being too negative before.