Ok, if you think your post will be safe, then Clowns' advice is correct: stay where you are and do a modular course while still earning. You have sufficient leave available to do the bits that require constant attendance during leave, and you should have access without too much difficulty to relatively cheap flying - especially if you're anywhere near Brize Norton. You may find that some parts of the course can be considered as duty - if you have a co-operative Education Section - and you will certainly be able to complete things such as the Instrument Rating as part of your Resettlement Training; you may even be able to get HMG to pay for some of it.
I would have thought that you could achieve an fATPL within 2 years, if you put your mind to it. As for what jobs might be available, by all means contact operators now. Don't expect many replies, and don't expect those you do get to be anywhere near the truth of what may happen 2 years down the line! Most airlines' recruiting departments don't really know what's happening next week, let alone that far in the future!
With your Movements background, you should have a considerable advantage over those Wannabes from non-aviation fields. I don't think it's unreasonable to suggest that aviation is finally on the rise after its lowest low since WW2; there will be lots of jobs available in a couple of years time - but they'll be as oversubscribed as always!
Good luck!
Scroggs