Bronte,
Well actually, if you have 737 time then the UK isn't too bad at the moment. EasyJet, Go and Ryanair are recruiting (737 qual). Word on the street is that recruiting should start to pick up in the Northern Spring/Summer for experienced people. Jet time especially desired. The main hassle is of course the bloody 14 JAR exams that are such fun to do.
BA has stopped its Cadet scheme for the next 5 years.
So, if you have the residency/passport, don't write off the UK yet. However, before handing over vast amounts of cash, quite a few have lost money with schools going broke. Pay in installments and use a credit card.