Another thought for you. I looked at doing the IR back in 1997-98 when things were pretty good. All of the schools had 6 month waiting lists to start the IR. At the moment you can just walk in and start straight away. When the market turns around (and it will) the waiting lists will return. I would say do it as soon as you can.
Getting it out of the way is a massive commitment.I've just done mine and it was the hardest thing I have ever done. It took far longer and cost a lot more than I had planned.I know several people who got half way through and dropped out (no money left , no time left or lost it all at SFT). Hats off to everyone with an IR out there.
Having said all of that I am glad I did it. I certainly feel more confident about IFR flying than I did with the IMC. And who knows, if BA need pilots anyone with an IR is ready, anyone without is not.