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What to do if…
your workplace closes suddenly and you cannot get clear information about your final pay

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Save proof of what you worked and what you are owed, then check whether the employer is formally insolvent. If insolvency is confirmed, ask the insolvency practitioner or official receiver for the CN case reference so you can use the GOV.UK claim route.

Do not do these things

  • Do not assume it will sort itself out next payroll if the business has closed or staff cannot access systems.
  • Do not sign a resignation, settlement, or full and final document while you do not know what you are owed.
  • Do not hand over original payslips, contracts, or ID documents; use copies or screenshots.
  • Do not give bank details or personal data to a new payroll contact unless you can verify who they are and why they need it.
  • Do not return keys, laptops, uniform, or tools without getting a dated receipt or taking a photo of the handover.
  • Do not rely on verbal promises; keep messages and requests in writing from now on.
  • Do not wait for perfect clarity if a pay deadline or claim deadline may be approaching.

What to do now

  1. Make a quick “what I am owed” note.
    Write down your last day worked, last day paid, usual payday, pay period still unpaid, usual hours or shifts, any earned overtime or commission, and any untaken holiday you believe you have.

  2. Save proof before systems disappear.
    Save or screenshot your contract or offer letter, payslips, rota, timesheets, clock-in records, bank statements showing past wages, commission plan, holiday records, and messages about the closure. Save them somewhere not controlled by work.

  3. Check whether the employer is formally insolvent.
    Use official sources rather than rumours. Check the GOV.UK company liquidation service, Companies House, and The Gazette insolvency notices. Look for the company name, formal status, date, and the name of any insolvency practitioner or official receiver.

  4. If insolvency is confirmed, ask for the CN case reference.
    Contact the insolvency practitioner or official receiver named in the notice or paperwork and ask for the CN case reference number. You usually need this number before you can claim through the GOV.UK redundancy and money owed service.

  5. Start the GOV.UK claim route if you are eligible.
    The insolvency claim route can cover redundancy pay, unpaid wages, holiday pay, earned commission, and other pay you can evidence. Redundancy pay claims in this route must generally be made within 6 months of dismissal. Statutory notice pay uses a separate step; follow the instruction you receive about when to apply.

  6. If insolvency is not confirmed, send one clear written pay request today.
    Email or text the last known manager, owner, or payroll contact: “Please confirm my employment end date, when outstanding wages and holiday pay will be paid, and when I will receive my final payslip and pay breakdown.” Keep a screenshot showing when it was sent.

  7. Protect tribunal time limits if pay is late or you are being ignored.
    Many employment tribunal claims require Acas Early Conciliation first. For unpaid wages, the time limit is generally 3 months minus 1 day from the date you should have been paid, or from the most recent missed or wrong payment if it happened more than once. Starting the Acas step can stop the situation drifting while you gather documents.

  8. Separate urgent living costs from the pay dispute.
    If you need money for essentials, check benefits support now rather than waiting for the employer to respond. If you claim Universal Credit, report wages when you receive them and ask Universal Credit about an advance if your circumstances have changed.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether to bring an employment tribunal claim.
  • You do not need to calculate the exact penny amount right now; a careful estimate and saved proof are enough for first steps.
  • You do not need to confront anyone in person.
  • You do not need to post publicly about the employer.
  • You do not need to make long-term job decisions before you stabilise your paperwork and immediate income.

Important reassurance

A sudden workplace closure can make you feel shut out and powerless. Saving evidence, checking the formal status, and using the correct official route are practical steps that put the situation back into a clearer order.

Scope note

These are first steps only. Later decisions about formal claims, settlement documents, tribunal action, benefits, or legal advice may need specialist help.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, financial, benefits, or professional advice. Your employment status, contract, dates, and the employer’s formal insolvency status can affect what you can claim and which route applies.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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