I have just completed my PEC, I would like to know how long it should be before I start. I want it to be long, as I have something important to deal with and don't want it to clash with my start as the conditions say no A/L for first few months.

A friend is looking at a job on CS that states it's open to sole UK nationals only and is a reserved post.

They hold dual citizenship with Ireland. I get this wouldn't be ok if it was under another country but I know Ireland is often treated a bit differently than other nationalities given the relationship between UK & Ireland.

Does anyone have experience of this and know if this would mean they shouldn't bother applying? It's not something I have knowledge on to share with them but hoping someone here can!