For what it's worth - the pay is much better now. I take home £3050, out of which I pay my loan of £425, leaving £2625. SFO, 3.5 years, UK base.
Bear in mind that eJ calculate their pension contribution on your reduced salary - so they take the £5000 off a year, and then pay a % of what's left (and do so for 5 years). When you reach command, they will take 10% off your salary for 6 months, and £5000pa off your salary all at the same time. Double reduction.
You will meet other FO's who earn up to £7500 pa more than you. Some will have been there for longer, and others will have 180 hours total time (but they paid for their own rating, at a cheaper TRTO).
Good luck!