Slightly off topic, but only slightly. My sister-in-law is a student with a part-time job at a clothes shop on a zero hours contract. The company have now taken to some pretty strange tactics to get rid of her. Firstly, they cited the lack of one of her references (despite never mentioning it to her before saying she would have to leave). Secondly, they contacted her to say that they would have to let her go because of the credit crunch (nice easy words to throw around!) so would she mind writing a letter of resignation. Does anyone know where she stands in all this? I presume as it is a zero hour contract they are not obliged to give her any work, but cannot understand why they are actively seeking her resignation. Cheers

I originally signed a contract at a shared rental student property in September 2007. It was a 52-week contract, but I discussed with the landlords only staying until June. They agreed but never sent out a new contract. In addition to this I have never received a copy of the original contract (despite regular pleas and equally regular promises that it had been posted - excuses included that the wrong postcode had been used). Now two of my flat-mates have ended their tenancy early (paying until the end of April) without any problems. The flat is in a poor state of repair (for instance, even a visit from the council stating that fire doors needed to be installed immediately went unheeded) and I too ended my tenancy. I sent a letter at the end of March giving four weeks notice that I would be leaving in April. Now I am being threatened with legal action to recoup rent until "at least" the end of June. Can I be legally bound by a contract which was verbally altered and which I never received a copy of? Any insights welcome. Many thanks