In answer to Grease weasle's question, as a London based captain I am clearing £5000-5300 per month. That means I can afford Bengerman's wire brush, though I haven't needed it yet.
Additional benefits are scarce, but there are a few bits about. With that take home though, and the decent rosters, it's a fairly good package. It's the cadets on the training salaries who are suffering, but at least they're not unemployed or working as PPL instructors.