service life

Half of CalMac's 10 major vessels have now reached or are beyond their 30-year expected service life.

It says: "The issues raised have been subject to rigorous examination under US Federal Aviation Administration oversight. This analysis has validated that the aircraft will maintain its durability and service life over several decades, and these issues do not present any safety concerns."

With the repairs now completed, the DWP said in the statement that its engineers were working on solutions for the reservoir’s cover “that will incorporate an enhanced design for greater durability and extended service life.”

Just four in 10 said they were satisfied with service life – the lowest since records began.

An MoD spokesperson said: "We are committed to fixing Armed Forces recruitment and have already given personnel the largest pay rise in decades, scrapped 100 outdated recruitment policies, and passed legislation through the Commons to introduce a new Armed Forces Commissioner to improve service life."