Thanks for the responses. Are there any references for the license validation through the uk caa? I've done some googling but haven't been able to find anything.
Also the flight test, if you don't have a job when you go there I assume one would had to privately hire a sim/instructor and support pilot? Is there any way to be exempt for this by providing sim/flight records from a previous airline? I imagine it would be quite a costly and logistical headache trying to find a sim and appropriate testing officers.
Thanks