Charlie S Charlie, yes there is a check ride presently but I think it is with a CFI, the new one I understand is with a CAA examiner - not sure if this will actually present any major difficulties but certainly having paid nearly £1000 for a Commercial check ride (examiner, heli hire and licence), I am concerned they do not fleece us on the day.
As for implementation, my understanding is that the CAA are implementing from June.
As an extra thought why is a Commercial check ride nearly 3 times the cost of a PPL check ride and why is the licence more expensive as well!!!