I began working at the head office of a chain of jewellery stores early October. With the bad snow in December sales plummeted and they started letting people go, I was one of them, they made me redundant on the 23rd December, 2 days before Christmas!! I was promised a cheque for my final wages (one months worth) on the 7th January the day I was originally due to be paid but by bank transfer, I have already been told that they are in breach of the contract as it states that I will always be paid into my bank account on the first friday of every month. I was worried from the start as I had taken many calls in the office from former employees chasing their cheques also. So when the 7th Jan come and there was no cheque I got intouch with them they assured me it was sent the 5th but due to bad weather it could be delayed, 2 weeks later and still no cheque I gave them 7 days to get a replacement cheque to me before starting legal proceedings, they assured me a replacement would be sent out recorded delivery, it was another 9 days before I finally recieved a cheque. The cheque was due to clear today (4th Feb) and surprise surprise it has bounced! I have called the office and, convienently, the person I need to speak to is on another call I insist on a call back but nothing! I am in arrears with rent and have survived on £60 for the last month. Obviously I have started benefits claims but these are only just coming through, and needless to say I am desperatley looking for work but January is not a great month for job hunting. Any advice on the next steps to take are much appreciated. Jenny