I am from abroad so not very familiar with UK regulations. But, isn't there some kind of in the middle (government or union) body, that can prevent airlines from taking advantage of their future pilots??
The way it is going (taking certain rumours in this thread for true), a positive turn in the market for airline pilots' vacancies doesn't look like more jobs are going to help pilots from not having to pay for an increasing number of extra's. (e.g. TR's and low commitments from airlines). Effectively increasing riscs and insecurities only more... (this still is a "rumour network" but, plse correct me if I am wrong about the above mentioned)
Jaxx