BA mainline needs 150 pilots/year for the next 4-5 years (possibly more to start with). This is due to BA's expansion/LH orders etc. This info is direct from BA mgt, btw.
Time to command at LGW could therefore be as little as 4-5 years, based on current figures.
BALPA's position is that we want all PL pilots on the master list - then no-one loses out and T's & C's are protected.