So far, the response has been 12 months no matter what, so bad luck. I have been reminded that I am not in the zone for promotion, so by staying, I take what I get given or I simply PVR and hope.
The problem is I have my family wondering what is happening, Mrs CS could do without a short notice move and we have to go on knowing that I work for an ambivalent employer. Yet I am continually told stories about colleagues who achieved what I am asking.