I had already amended my message because I do not know your friend's exact situation.
Still, it's not exactly true what you write.
easyJet hires a lot of experienced pilots as well as cadets.
Some very experienced indeed.
easyJet even hires from within the company.
And when has it ever been easy to move company? Seniority lists prevent any job hopping in most airlines. But at least in easyJet you can join the command list within months after signing a permanent contract! I have yet to see evidence that the everyday reality is much worse now than in 2008. For experienced jet drivers with the relevant type rating that is.
And by the way, this whole cadet business is nothing new. Airlines have different needs at different times. BA was recruiting loads of cadets in the past. KLM is ONLY recruiting cadets at the moment. But Emirates is screaming, begging for experienced guys like easyJet pilots. easyJet is now at a mature stage where they can handle larger quantities of cadets, but that might change in a blink of an eye.