Hows the UK market at the moment

[TestMangler]

Ah I see not much has changed around here.
In amoungst the scot and beer jibes I guess that means things are generally not too bad?

I won't be straying north of the border, intend to stay well down in the south east... Thames Valley or London.
Got a mainly banking and finance background but have done all sorts.

Anyone got realistic current rate ranges for test managers down south?

Well, I'm manageing to stay in the £450-£550 range 'ahp norf' so, going by one of the previous posts, you should be looking for three times that but to be honest, I have my doubts about that Any rate you're happy with is a good rate

[Wanderer]

wondering how the UK contract market is generally?

You ain't ever gonna get a straight answer to that question here.

Check out http://www.itjobswatch.co.uk/ for some guidance. If you are returning with gold in great store then now might be a good time to exchange some currency back into sterling, depending on where you've been. Check out historical exchange rates and see how the pound is doing.