BMED,
Roster pattern is fixed at 5-3-5-4 with 3 off after the 5 earlies. 5-4-5-4 is to be considered by Company/Union after this summer - but nothing is certain yet. Twice a year you have a 4 week "reserve" period. This is theoretically a month of standby and you're used as required. Historically though it has ended up as a full rotered month a la CAP371! This should start to improve now though as the crew establishment comes up to the required levels. As for DEC to BRS - I think there's a waiting list and you'll have to do some time at LGW.
The environment at easy has improved significantly over the last 12 months and hopefully should continue to do so. Expansion is continuing at a moderate 15% per annum - so plenty of opportunities for progression with the Company. Yes we work hard - but so do many other companies these days. As a skipper you'll gross £90k+ and share schemes are available.
Good luck
A4