OK,
notwithstanding the forthcoming conflict here goes:
From the horses mouth, external recruitment is likely to start in May/June. There will be vacances on the A320 and 744 and possibly the 75/76. The airbus fleet is expanding massively and the 744 is/will be haemorraging pilots mainly due to retirement and the expectation of P2s bidding for SH P1 slots cos' of the new pay deal. No 777 slots will be offered and the 73 ceases to be at LHR from July.
I have worked both mil and for a major charter outfit so I am qualified to say that, overall, BA is a good Company to work for. I feel about as secure as one can be in this fickle business (nb how they treated new joiners post 911). The new pay deal addresses some of the prior imbalance and the quality of life (stability/choices) is second to none. The cc can be a pain in the a**e at times and the time to command will rise due to the new pay structure but, bottom line is, I look forward to going to work!
Good luck