Airways Flight Training at Exeter is the place for the IR if your interested. Run by Brian Marindin who is ex RN Sea Hawk pilot and Ex Cathy Pacific pilot. Top bloke who will get you sorted and has trained what seems to be the entire military escapee branch. You can ring him on (01392) 364216
As to the recruiting, BA has just been elevated from 'junk bond' status to investment status, what this means that BA can now invest in new aircraft. There is talk of a 'fleet expansion' although the company talks it down by suggesting that the new aircraft are to replace older hulls. At the moment just about all recruiting is onto the airbus fleet as all LH fleets are being served by internal movement.
Virgin, as far as know, has more A340 orders coming in possibly at 12-14 crews per aircraft.
The BA interview process favours ex-mil pilots as it is very similar to interview processes that we have all been through before.
Good luck!