After 12 months, 400+ jobs applied, 6 face-to-face interviews and another 6 or so telephone interviews I have landed a job. I got it via a former colleague at a company I used to work. It is a 6 month contract position via Randstad. Hopefully I will not have so much difficulty finding another job after the 6 months. The past year has been a real challenge.

Thanks for all the good advice here and good luck to all still looking!!