IT openings in the UK for non residents

Hello,
I am a Software Engineer currently based in India, working for a good firm. I am looking for a suitable job in the UK to broaden my horizons.
Though I have spent my entire life and my short career (I’m 25) in India, I possess the Right of Abode in the UK (That includes the right to work), as my father was born in Britain.

I have registered at jobsite.co.uk, and get several job openings a day in my inbox. Though I have applied to around fifty different openings I feel I’m suited for, I have received no responses yet.

I would appreciate it if somebody could throw light on the following questions –

1. How difficult is it to get a job in the IT sector if you’re a programmer? Is it easier or harder to get jobs than in other sectors?

2. How does my being non resident in the UK affect my chances? I can understand that companies would be unwilling to fly me to the UK, but I could visit the UK for a vacation provided I have some interviews lined up.

3. How does recruitment for IT take place? In India, it seems to be a common practice to do a couple of telephonic interviews if you’re in a different city. Do companies to telephonic interviews? What is the general recruitment process like? How do good British software companies hire their programmers?

Thanks in advance.