Sorry to hear this, it hasn't changed since I was there in early 90's.
Hopefully I can give a slight glimmer of hope to a few, at Manchester in particular, check out
Aviation Jobsearch there are some 6 month contracts in the offing for 4 mechs and 1 Licenced Engineer, must have 747 with RR and/or CF6 and/or JT97R4G2, full B1 JAA or HKGCAD or BCAR A+C, all line work, A340 or 777 with GE90 desireable. A little light at the end of the tunnel I hope for someone.