I think you should question how well their style meshes with the team. It is a lot easy to teach someone the definition of polymorphism than it is to teach yourself not to throttle some prat during crunch-time.

I've been wondering how to find contracting work in the UK as well, but as an American with limited experience working in the EU I'm sure that you've had an easier time finding work than I could provide. (Have you considered Luxembourg?) I have managed to get on the list for a company called New Wave Resourcing. The do C# placement, but a lot of positions require C++ as well. Let me know if you'd like more information. And let me know if you find a company in the UK that is keen enough for MFC experts that they're willing have them imported from across the pond.