The UK market is also very different to Australia. As you say, you will need to work your way up to the airlines, here you can get in with 300hrs straight on to a jet (i.e. 737) although I suspect that those days are numbered for the time being. Can also be a jet captain with only around 3-3500hrs if you're lucky and good enough.
3500tt might get you command in OZ........
on a nice big SAAB earning 60k a year!!!
