The best advice my dad ever gave me when looking for jobs is that even if you only match the description 50%, apply for it. Don't be put off by the list of skills/qualities they want.

Show that, while you don't meet all of the criteria on the job advert, you're keen and have a good head on your shoulders.

I'm in the UK as well and I know it's a tough market. But I agree with what others have posted - take anything even vaguely related to IT. The only jobs I had before I got a placement/internship were working in a shop and doing data entry.