it is no joke - it's a very serious concern.
B&B - suggest you read LSM's post - many pilots are stuck in their careers eg: Instructors, TP operators, even the Military - I personally know of 2 Harrier pilots with 6 tours of Afghan and instructional background who have been turned down by major airlines (one even has a training captain relative with that airline) - why? Airmanship? Flying ability? Task management? CRM with ground operatives, formation wingmen?
No, it's because these UK airlines prefer this cadet scheme!