They are not rumours, I have spoken with cadets who are currently there and delays are up to 18 months!
If you cause a fuss they can make them longer. They pay 'compensation' depending how long you are delayed of £25 once you are delayed 6 months, 9 months £50 and 1 year £75 a week more or less, some have complained and some have got a 'free' type rating or one half price for those on airline schemes.
If your 'tagged' to an airline your delays will be shorter, if your not your delays will be the longest guaranteed!
The delays are likely to continue for some years to come, the smart thing to do would be to stay clear, do your PPL at your local flying club then head over to Europe for CPL etc and get it done in a few months at 33% of the cost!
Or if your certain you want a big player like that, CAE seems to be more reputable and I have not heard anything about delays and are a similar price.