Re: No evidence seen by this insider yet
"I've been with big blue many years in the UK and not seen this happening much here yet."
Perhaps not in your location. I retired in 2000 and throughout the late 90's Function managers talked openly about "reprofiling our demographics". Meaning you're over 50 and it's time to accept voluntary separation. Which I very happily did. Some time later I bumped into my Function manager who looked somewhat stressed and confessed that he had not realised just what was involved in my role.
Keep looking over your shoulder.