I do agree with the point John Smith has raised above. Getting into UK flying now has become the remit for either the well heeled, those with means of securing loans or those from a background that can support the financial requirements. It has effectively barred anyone entering who is young and from a less affluent background. Try asking for unsecured credit when your parents can't release any equity in their little house. BA certainly have attempted to address this issue with their FPP program which I think is a good thing to recognise the financial prejudice that exists.
I certainly do not agree with the notion that "blue collar" workers have lowered the terms and conditions. Class seems no barrier in lengths of desperation people step to when determined to enter the profession.