Yeah sounds about right. It's the marine services industry and you are right, there are no prospects in the job at all. Thanks for the offer of support, really appreciate it. I will call him in the morning and keep you posted. Thanks for the advice so far.

The owner is as stubborn as they come which is why I want to make sure all my information is correct before battle commences! I've worked there for 3 months and i'm 99% sure he has broken a number of employment laws. It's a small business with around 10 employees, funnily enough it's only the two British employees being laid off. The rest of the guys are Polish and they tend to do as they're told without question. One of them questioned the fact we had no contract, threatening to leave, the boss's response was that he would make sure the guy would never find work in the UK again! Ever since then they have been too afraid to question him, working 15 hours a day at times for 7 days. This is the kind of character I am dealing with.

All the employer said was that we (2 of us only) were being laid off for "a couple of weeks" and that he would call us when more work comes in. However, it is unlikely that I will get a call to go back. The employer has not said what he will pay me, and our regular hours are 8am-4:30pm 7 days a week. Thanks for the link, I will have a look.

Also, Is there such a thing as statutory employment law in which an employer should abide by if no contract is in place? If so, does anyone know where I can read further on it?

Hi All I was laid off on Friday and would be grateful for any advice. I have no contract of employment so was wondering where I stood with regards to entitlement to wages whilst laid off. I've read in some places that I'm not entitled to anything and in other places that I am entitled to 4 weeks average pay and if not back at work after this I can consider myself redundant. Can anyone shed any light? If further info is required please ask away... Thanks in advance.