Unfortunately, it's the temporary (i.e. seasonal) work visas that have been cut, to the extent that even legit seasonal employers (ski resorts, summer holiday hotels, etc.) are finding that the visa quota has been filled well in advance of the normal hiring season.

Most visas with work privileges require the employer to validate the job offer by sponsoring your application. If the employer isn't willing to show that he has exhausted all his local sources of labor, he won't be allowed to hire you anyhow.
Cheers,
Bev