whereas, when the rest of us return to Blighty, even after many years of "teaching" in the orient, are reduced to stacking Tesco shelves-if we can get it.

That is the truth. And with the workfare scheme, I doubt there is even stacking work.

Of 3 people I knew in China, 2 who were qualified to teach in the UK, 1 is still teaching in England, and the other is teaching at a british school overseas in Peru. The other is teaching TESOL at a college in England, having qualified and studied for a masters degree.

Pretty depressing, but if you are not qualified, it is what it is. You are right on the money.

Cheers,
SMGS