[tomwphillips]

This would raise a lot of eyebrows in the UK. Hiring managers might wonder what you’re hiding.

[loa_in_]

Let them wonder. They're wondering on paid time, the potential candidates aren't

[kypro]

They just wouldn't put you forward most of the time. Having gaps larger than 6 months here (especially if it's in the last decade) is a big red flag. I don't know why, but this has been my experience and others I've spoken to.