By employing residents of countries other than E.U., even though it is legal,( by virtue of historic family ties from 70- 100 years ago), newly qualified UK pilots are being denied the chance to enter airlines on the bottom rung, to obtain the experience which they need to progress in the industry.
Eventually, things will turn full circle again, with senior pilots retiring, and the middle ranks being promoted, leaving a huge hole to be filled to replace those pilots obtaining promotion. With few exceptions, notably, BA (until post Sept 11), it appears to be a scenario that displays a lack of investment, which has dogged the airline industry for many, many years.