The meaning of "attrition"

For the benefit of the PLP and some of their supporters, allow me to explain how the UBP can trim the civil service without firing a single civil servant.

The UBP's manifesto pledge was to "reduce the size of the civil service through attrition". The key word is "attrition", which is defined thus:

"a gradual reduction in work force without firing of personnel, as when workers resign or retire and are not replaced."

So, no flip-flopping at all.