pitotheat is correct.
Our recruitment managers are concerned about getting a good deal, and getting a good "mix" of pilots.
The path for newbie cadet first officers is:
- Contractor (max 12 months)
- SO
- FO (75% seasonal, possibly, then 100%)
- SFO
You can jump out of that path at any time (so long as you are SO or greater and have the experience and the ability) into command.
When it comes to the non-TR intake, the company can insert you at any position. We, internally, would argue that only mad fools would accept entry at the bottom, and we don't want mad fools. The company will argue that it is purely supply and demand - and with some UK TP airlines in potential trouble, even the good ones will see the wisdom of jumping early, and will pay the financial price in order to be first in the queue.
Of course, if you all said no then the entry point would increase. But the sad facts are that FOs will jump all over the back of the candidate in front and that the company has a valid point.