Sorry to hear that, Hovis, I really am.
Yes, it might well be me in Feb as I work from LGW on shorthaul. I may be mistaken but I was told that as from April all UK companies will have to comply with EU law and offer a minimum of 4 weeks statutory pay for every year worked. This is probably why they are making the offer now rather than later. Can anyone verify or dispel this tidbit of information?