Hektor
Nights are up to the individual, some people like them, some don't. I actually quite like them, I almost feel that although my shift pattern is 6 on 4 off, the day of my first night shift is an extra day so I consider that I actually work 5.5 days on/5.5 days off.
The 6th day in the is not allegedley a day of, it's a sleep day - I only sleep til about 1030/1100 after a night shift, therefore although it is technically a sleep/recovery day, I don't feel I am using it as such.
Sleep patterns, in my experience, do not get too messed up - it depends I think on the idividual. If you are a 'morning' type of person i.e. you don't need to keep hitting the snooze button when your alarm goes off, then I think you are better equipped to cope with shift patterns that include nights.
There are plenty of people who like to do permanent nigts - they tend to do approximately 6 a month. If you are not one of these and just end up doing the odd set of nights to suit the roster, chances are you will do 2 a month at the area units, maybe more at an airport.
Dress code is informal, airport guys tend to be more smartly dressed than area, though it is personal choice.
If you get posted to Manchester or Prestwick, you get a one off clothing allowance to cover waterproofs for Manchester and warm clothing for Prestwick; as the company has finally come into line with the EU ruling that it is 'Grim oop North'