Looks impossible to settle back in the UK

[Terpe]

Thats because its only just become active last week terpe .I am in a group that keeps upto date with all new rules and regulations regarding free movement of european citizens its very imformative and is keeping teresa may on her toes thats for sure .you can even bring grand parents in the S.S ROUTE as dependants

Might be that we're all thinking along different lines.

It's not necessary to be employed for an EU citizen to exercise freedom of movement rights
to freely move to EU member countries.
It's not necessary either for the Non-EEA family member in order to secure a Schengen Visa.

The OP could move to France say with his partner without a job or accommodation.

The issue though is how to follow the EEA route (Surinder Singh) to UK.
To gain legal entry to UK they would need to meet the UK regulations.
In principle means employed or self employed to meet treaty rights.