@Kimmler Said
Yes, more a case of not so simple innit? Plus, what would be the point of making them redundant in one part of the public sector just to employ them in another? No savings and no new jobs.
Well, actually, yes... it really is that simple. By cutting the armed forces as I suggested, there would be a massive saving to the public purse (?400 million pounds a week from simply withdrawing from the war, just for starters) and no loss of employment..!!
Those doctors currently employed in the 'Stan, could be employed in civilian hospitals, possibly increasing the ratio of staff to head of population for a start, and they'd be paying tax all year round, too, rather than drawing pay tax free as they do when they are out of the country, in the Afghan theatre (something they keep very quiet about when complaining about poor pay)
Also, the cost of armed forces medical provision is - even in peacetime - about three times per head of patient in comparison to the civilian population.
We also have to be aware of the different promotion structures in the armed forces. In the armed forces, the promotion structure enables those who keep their nose clean and wait their turn to rise up the ranks, with the higher pay that goes with it. Their medical skills may never improve, but by virtue of "dead man's shoes" and "Buggins' Turn" (something Gordon Brown fans will recognise)an officer can rise up from Sub Lieutenant to Lieutenant to Lieutenant Commander to Commander to Captain to Admiral...... In the armed forces you are a serviceman first, and a doctor second.
The NHS structure is more selective and promotions are based on talent, experience and qualification. In the NHS, a former military medic would have to work harder to climb the greasy pole. I don't have a problem with that..!!
So, the benefits are tangible and beneficial to the civilian population:
Better value for money via more efficient use of skilled personnel, at cheaper cost to the public purse.
More British medical professionals in the NHS means less reliance on foreign incomers.
Those professionals would not be taking advantage of military tax breaks which would mean more revenue to the Exchequer
Possibly, an increased doctor / patient ratio which would mean shorter waiting lists and better patient care.
And it really..... really.... is that simple.
Innit.
.