Bermudashorts was quite right, thank you. I finally applied for my partner visa on 31st of December 2014 and my bridging visa was issued on the 2nd of January. It clearly states that it will not be active until my current tourist visa expires in March. At this point I will be able to work. Hoorah.

When I went for my medical just before Christmas it was packed with people whining about the 50% increase in fees and hurrying, like myself, to apply before the end of the year.

I wonder what affect this will have on waiting times for partner visas?