Maybe seems like an odd question to ask but the reason I ask is because I am learning JavaScript which I find fairly hard to pick up and I am going to start learning PHP soon and so I wondered if I am going to find it easier or harder than JavaScript?
It's hard to compare the two languages because of the many differences they have. JavaScript is a client-side script and php is a server-side language. I personally believe php to be easier, but everyone is different and it also depends greatly on the type of scripts you will e developing. I you would compare jsp and php (both server-side) I would suggest learning php. While java does have some powerfull functions and features, I believe php to be more customizable and would be easier to fulfill your needs. If you're looking to code for a certain corporation, the more advanced languages such as jsp and fusion may be considered a more "professional solution". But as I said before, the language you choose (as a programmer) to develop your script will greatly depend on the requirements for that individual script.
I think JavaScript is harder than PHP. I caught on to PHP right away whereas JavaScript took me a bit longer to learn. I just found PHP to be a whole lot easier. Dunno why..