Loopy
Sadly, some airlines resort to the use of contract companies to circumvent their own country's labor laws. By nominating an offshore agency as the "employer" they think they can get out of the "statutory entitlements" imboglio. Such proposition is arguable at law, in many jurisdictions. Given that British law clearly defines the employer/employee/contractor scenario, the contract companies bound by British law precedents are walking on the wildside.
Given the above, we are stuck with employment through the agencies, some good, some ordinary, and some downright thieves.
It behoves us all to be very careful in our selection of whom we choose to act as our intermediary. Ask around, listen to the experiences of those who have been there before.
Personally, I have worked with three agencies, two good and one thoroughly rougeish. I have had good experiences with Cambridge recently and PARC a long time ago. In between I worked with, and sucessfully sued IAC Pacific for witholding salary without lawful excuse. I would never work with them again, nor would I recommend them to anyone else.
They will probably try to sue me for defamation, AGAIN, but who gives a schmit, the bickie barrel is empty. They are nothing but a bunch of pricks. (How are you going Jimbo, you poisonous dwarf)
Regards
Maui