Official sources deny that 8,000 troops will be made redundant after Christmas. The Mail on Sunday newspaper claimed that Army cutbacks — set at one-fifth by 2020 — will soon go up another level so that notices would be sent out at the end of the year. A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman insisted that no decision has been taken yet on timings. She added: "We aim to remove uncertainty for Army personnel and their families as soon as possible."