Last time I was laid off they ripped me for about £1600, was told I would have to take it to small claims and even then they couldn't force them to pay me what was owed.
I plod along on feck all though, and at the moment have to listen to others tales of woe, you know £50k+ per year, been told they could be losing their job, and have to tell me their problems and expect me to feel for them when they will get a payout of around £30k (tax free), yet in the time inbetween they don't address their outgoings and spending habits, or tell their wives that they may have to do with 1 pair of uggs this year.