People are hiring, it's just there are so many people that need jobs it can be competitive.
When you say saving up for uni, what do you mean exactly? If you're talking about tuition then get a student loan, you can also apply for a maintenance loan to help with the cost of living. My maintenance loan serves me very well - I eat well, pay rent and have a social life without any job on the side. So a job isn't a necessity, but it would be helpful to save up some cash just to help you out; and helpful to get work experience!
Start with google and go for the major companies - shops like Boots, McDonalds and the like all have an online recruitment system. Also get a CV together, do some voluntary work maybe if you're struggling for things to put on there. Go around town and ask about jobs.
Things aren't amazing in the jobs market, but they're not as bad as you might think.