Having spoken to those 'in the know', the situation is pretty much as chinchaser has already said. The figure of 40-50 recruits was based on retirements and also a number of people leaving for other airlines ie British Airways and Virgin. Obviously that will not now happen so even if holiday bookings pick up, I can't see all the courses being reinstated.
All options are being considered, so don't give up hope. There has been another thread mentioning the posibility of aircraft going to Australia for Quantas. It is only a rumour mind you, but it does show you that things can sometimes unexpectedly improve!
The peak booking period is after Christmas, so fingers crossed that nothing really does stand in the way of the British and their annual holiday.