The problem is that about 70% of the new hires of this year and most likely of the close future have been cadets, who are on a different deal, at least in the UK (flexicrew) with the other 30% being DEP/DEC, type rated or not. For these guys there is quite a selection, with around 5% of the applicants passing the assessment as direct entry captain.
In mainland europe easyjet conditions tend to be even better, at least in some countries, but recruiting usually happens in those places where t&c are bad, eg spain, portugal and holland.