I've been told that airline's insurance cost goes way up if any of their pilots have less than 500 hours on type. This is the economical reason I mentioned. If it is true (actually, can anyone confirm/disprove please?) then it explains why no-one can get a job these days.
Virtually EVERY airline has SOME pilots with less than 500 hours in type. Either you've "been told" a tall tale, or most airlines pay the higher insurance rate.
LOTS of people are getting jobs these days!