Nomercy, they are looking at older guys. Current recruitment seems to favour ex flying instructors, air taxi guys or guys with a small amount of commercial experience, i.e the type of people who can have 8mnths on the line, and be promoted straight to the left hand seat to help solve the shortage of captains problem.
As for the non-reducing bond, add to that the company's proposal of new joining f/o's starting on £23,000!