Having only recently (this June) been sh*t on by an insolvent employer, I thought I'd share my experiences as to the state assistance available. Not sure how much of this will apply but it may be of use to some of the folks?
In short, when an employer becomes insolvent and can no longer pay its staff the employees are entitled to:
i) Statutory Redundancy Pay - Amount depends on length of service and your age - this site calculates your entitlement:
Redundancy Payments: Ready Reckoner - BERR
ii) Statutory Notice Pay - One week's pay (maximum of £330 per week) for each year of service, up to a maximum of 12 week's pay. This bit is a common-law claim so they take off Job Seekers Allowance and 22% for tax.
ii) Pay for holiday you were entitled to, but did not take (didn't apply to me)
More info here:
Notice and notice pay : Directgov - Employment
Redundancy and Insolvency - Guide for employees
You lodge your claim by completing the RP1 form available from the Insolvency Service. If the company is still trading but just won't pay up, you can call a tribunal to claim the above money. If in doubt, book an appointment with your local CAB.
In my case, I was able to receive just under £7k
