DRAFT
CONFIDENTIAL
gratuity during his service has been proposed by HQBF and is likely to be essential to retaining personnel in key posts. An Alternative Assumption (AA)
Assumption (AA) to fund it should be considered during LTC 94.
19. The faster
faster rundown may itself undermine confidence and retention, and BFHK will have to be flexible in its employment of the remaining LEP. Individuals may have to be employed in different trades and possibly in different Service areas as long as the retraining cost is acceptable. The alternative would be for UKTAP to fill vacant key LEP posts in the final years which would have significant manning and cost penalties.
20.
From Oct 96, once all LEP are released from their duties to undergo resettlement training and to distance them from BFHK, some posts previously occupied by them may in any case need to be filled by UKTAP, although it is probable that most posts will be dis-established. JTP 68 provides a limited contingency plan for this possibility, but will need to be reviewed in 1994 and annually thereafter in light of the changing situation.
LOCALLY EMPLOYED CIVILIANS (LEC)
21. Concern over LEC retention has always stemmed from the assumption that, as 1997 approaches, BFHK will suffer a reduction in LEC numbers due to the loss of personnel leaving to secure other employment prior to 1997 and a decline in the availability of suitable staff to fill vacancies.
22. At present, BFHK has not experienced any significant increase in resignations. It is assessed that staff are seeking to maximise their eventual gratuity and that the enhanced redundancy package is proving effective. This situation may change if employees perceive a need to distance themselves from the Garrison and to obtain alternative employment prior to 1997. It is difficult to predict when or if this is likely to occur, but problems could manifest themselves from 1994. In that event, it may prove necessary to offer incentives in order to retain key staff to the end.
POLICY FOR THE DISPOSAL OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT
23. Action is in hand
hand to establish a streamlined disposals system for equipment and spares during the drawdown. Overall guidance is provided by the DCA which directs that the back- loading of military equipment and stores to the UK should be kept to the minimum commensurate with military requirements and priorities. Equipment managers, working within these guidelines, are producing lists of those items which they require to be returned to the UK. The HKG will have the opportunity to purchase
8
HK 21500/1 MS, dated 26 Jan 93.
C:\FEW2\ RUNDOWN
6
CONFIDENTIAL
DRAFT