Tier 2 ICT cooling off as Tier 2 General dependent

Hi all , Respected gurus,
Happy New Year to all!!

I have a question regarding switching from tier 2 general dependent to tier 2 general.

I was on tier 2 ICT from sep-2012 to apr-2016. I applied tier 2 general dependent on 17-April-2016 & got tier 2 general dependent BRP issued on 25-may-2016.

Now I have joined a firm who are willing to sponsor my tier 2 general but technically I have to wait 12 months cooling off (i have to spend 12 months on tier 2 general dependent after tier 2 ict)
1/ Now, when is the earliest I can apply:
A) 12 months from date I applied tier 2 general dependent ie 17-April-2016 or
B) 12 months from issue date of tier 2 general dependent BRP ie 25-may-2016?

2/ Also, can we start rest of the process (like CoS, advertising etc) earlier ?

My firm is big & reputed & they have told me that if they proceed & they find any local person for my role they will hire him/her.
3/ so this is a risk & I might lose my job?

Thanks in advance⁠

Its not all about you.
T2 is not about delivering your dream job.

RLMT is to find anyone in UK or Europe to do your job.
You have clearly been pre-selected so far and yes, a legitimate and compliant sponsor is obliged to give that equally qualified and skilled UK/EU candidate the job.

woodie wrote:B) 12 months from issue date of tier 2 general dependent BRP ie 25-may-2016?⁠

12 months from this one (assuming you applied for Tier 2 G dependent by post as you don't say)