The wonderful people at HR decided that my contract with the company finished the 28th Feb, but decided not to inform me.

I have been on secondment to a research grant for the past 4 years and my apparent finish date coincides with the termination of that grant. I am (or as far as I was aware anyway!) still employed by the company.

If due to this foul up I don't get paid this month, (which is entirely possible according to the HR person I spoke to) can I claim back from my employer any failed Direct debit, standing order, or utility bill payment fines that I get hit with because of a lack of funds?

so you were on a fixed term contract but continued workign after it had ended?

my view is that by allowing you to continue to work the company had committed to pay you.

contact CAB, though.

Edit: try and get your line manager on your side too.

If their cock up costs you money then yes they have to make good this.

Basic contract law – the contract is you work and they pay you money – they don't pay you money but you work then they are in breech. If you have losses as a result then they are liable for these losses.

( very over simplified I know for Cynic als benefit.)

Thanks, I do find that sort of stuff tricky 😀

I meant I knew I had oversimplified it before you came in critiquing me.

Thats great, thanks for that.

Fingers crossed I get paid as normal tommorow, and don't have any problems!