Jobs in VLSI/SemiConductor

[hsmp_distressed]

Hello Everyone,
I work in VLSI domain and have 7 years of experience along with a Masters Degree. I am told by my recruiter that right now I have only a 10% chance of getting a job in the VLSI companies. If there's anybody in this forum who could help out with the following questions that'd be great.
1. Are semiconductor/eda companies in UK hiring people?
2. Is there an oversupply/undersupply/market neutral situation?
3. Are there any known good recruiting houses I could talk to?
4. Are there enough options to move around? I mean if there are just a handful of companies it puts serious mobility considerations.
5. Is there any specific area in UK which is particularly known for vlsi/eda companies? How about London?
6. How good/bad are the salary levels? Obviously I cant make it like the java guys do but I need to know if I could sustain myself.

Any help is seriously appreciated with deep gratitude. I imagine that this information would help a lot of people like myself.