This is a total crock of the proverbial. When they thought they could pick and choose their pilots it was "don't call us we'll call you - and it'll cost you £50". Now they are desperate again, losing guys hand over fist to Big Red Airlines and Big Blue Airways, and suddenly its "we'll take anyone with a rating, and promote you to boot oh and here's your £50 back."
Anyone else think this would be a totally sh!te career choice? In a couple of years it'll be compulsory demotions with your seat being filled by some Yuri who will do it for peanuts.