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detailed studies have still to be conducted. Redundancy has
therefore been only provisionally assessed. In the region
of 6,000 all ranks are likely to be involved, of which about
a quarter are expected to be officers. Officers mainly
affected will be those aged between 40 and 50 in 1980, but
some in the 30 to 40 age bracket may be included. Soldier
redundancy will affect mainly Warrant Officers and NCOs with
more than 10 years service. All those declared redundant
will receive a minimum of six months' notice, and those
selected for compulsory redundancy will retain their normal
right of appeal. An announcement giving full details of the
first phase of the programme will be made in December 1975,
and the first officers and soldiers will leave in October 1976.
Royal Air Force: The number being made redundant in the
Royal Air Force will be approximately 4,000 and this will
include 800 officers. In order to maintain a balanced Service
with good career potential, the programme, which will cover
a period of two years, will be largely compulsory though
there will be a voluntary element in it. At least six months'
notice will be given to those leaving the Service as a result
of redundancy and there will be provision for appeal against
compulsory selection. Full details of those selected for the
first phase of redundancy will be announced during the Summer
and the main outflow of officers and airmen will begin towards
the end of the year. It may be that some will wish to leave
earlier and this should be possible in certain cases.
Full facilities for resettlement advice and assistance will be
provided for those returning prematurely to civilian life.
68.
Notwithstanding these reductions and redundancies, we shall
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