In my industry I have never wanted for work (freelance security consultant) but last year marked a clear change.

I can't be certain, but in my case I think HR are getting in the way. My CV is geared up to a) get agents interested in representing me to their clients and b) impress the hiring managers (who are usually technical).

It's not an HR friendly CV and I think they are now getting in the way of my cv reaching the hiring managers.