I agree with you BW, It would appear that airlines in the UK operate on a 'revolving door' type policy where less experienced ops people join the company but as soon as they show any ambition and aim for a higher salary commensurate with their eventual experience, they are faced with a brick wall. Either shut up and put up or else leave. The cycle then starts all over again with a new face in the office ad infinitum.
I have worked in the UK. I worked with a great bunch of guys close to one of London's airports but the salaries were so low and UK cost of living so high that I found it unsustainable and had to leave. Pity cos I left behind a job that I loved and colleagues that I admired and respected. Being single helps if you are dissatisfied, makes moving less complicated, not so easy if married with kiddies.