Went for selection as a NTR DEC at the end of last year and was offered a slot (19 years wide body Airbus, 9 years in command with training experience, last 12 with a ME carrier). Newcastle was the only slot they were offering and apparently this is the norm according to mates on the inside, and only a 70% contract which was neglected to be mentioned at the interview.
After challenging them on the 70% gig, when I wanted a full time contract, I was told that all NTR DEC's get 70% and after between 12-18 months they 'might' be offered 100% contracts.
The 30% reduction in package was also to cover the cost of the type rating, despite a 14k bond being in the 70% contract
Overall assessment:- a tin pot outfit, run like an poorly organised flying club with arrogant, autocratic senior management - decided to stay put in the sandpit until something better came along.