NATS has unit banding, so the top salary indicated is only paid at the two units mentioned and to the longest serving/most experienced staff.

At other NATS units the salaries are lower. There are also a number of other ATC providers in the UK whose salaries I believe are not dissimilar to those at the lower banded NATS units.

In the Heathrow Approach group at Terminal Control we've lost a significant number of controllers over the last few years to the Middle East, primarily the fast expanding Dubai. Many of the youngsters unsurprisingly see that option as quite attractive, both financially and for the lifestyle. It does tend to leave us permanently short staffed back at the West London Approach Ranch though.