Thats £39k after tax then. Still a lot more than the £38k before tax when you are taken on as a Second Officer on a permanent contract. Just doesn't seem to make any sense.
You could tell everyone in the assessment was scared of asking any questions. No-one wanted to stand out as a trouble maker/ negative so everyone left more confused than when they turned up (everyone thought they had applied for a First Officer position only to be told they might be offered a flexi contract)
Mike - congratulations. Hope it works out well for you.