Dct_Mopas - The UK contracts are not guaranteed to be SFO contracts, I know it has been given some in 2017, but generally the direct entry FO's for UK contract start as Second Officer, 2 years as First Officer before becoming SFO.
I know prior to 2017 and part of 2017 it was like this, I don't know how 2018 looks, but I believe that is the general progression for FO's. The caveat is that you can get your command before becoming SFO.