There is, right now, amongst jet airline operators in the UK, a large shortage of captains (and high time FO's that are suitable for quick promotion). However, there is still a vast abundance of low time CPL holders looking for their first break. Most turboprop operators, and companies that are known to employ low timers, receive several unsolicited CVs every day.
It is still possible to come straight out of an approved course and land yourself on a jet with 200 hours, but don't be fooled that it happens to everyone! The current experience level that seems to interest most airlines is total time in excess of 1000 hours (unless you have significant multi time), plus all the frills on the licence. There is still stiff competition even at that level, you can expect some rigorous interviews, sim rides, and other hoops to jump through, before you get that golden first airline job.
I've been hearing the old 'impending massive pilot shortage' song being sung by flying school marketing machines for as long as I've been in this business (a bit over 6 years now). I have yet to see the slightest sign of it actually arriving, at least at the level that all us wannabe's want it.