It is a general principle of Uk employment legislation that an employer may temporarily lay you off without actually making you redundant. It's intention was to allow for employers that may have a seasonal peak demand for their services followed by a slow down. An example would be seasonal gift or produce suppliers....Turkey farmers!!!
There is a difference between this and actual redundancy.
Now in doing so they have to pay you your basic salary unless its written into any agreement that there is a reduced pay. Obviously no sector pay..