Just been laid off and need a bit of advice

[lostboy87]

I work in the building trade as a painter of new property and have just found out today that i have been laid off.I am on the books for the firm not a sub contractor but i do not have a contract.I have worked there for 3 years and have done well to last over the last year because of how bad everything is.It has now come down to last in first out and today was my day!
Im a bit panicky and my head is all over the place,my boss says it will be at least 8 weeks but could be longer depending how work picks up.I just need some help and advice on what to do now.I do not have mortgage insurance and am worried if i get in dire straits what i can do about my mortgage!
Any help would be really great,thanks for reading this.

[buildersmate]

I suggest that you read the following link.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Redunda ncyAndLeavingYourJob/DG_10026693
You do have a contract of employment and because you have worked there for more than 12 months you have accrued certain rights under the unfair dismissal legislation.
As you will read in the link, employers don't generally have right to lay staff off without pay - unless it is agreed within the contract or a general agreement exists in the industry to that effect.
Speak to ACAS - the phone number is at the bottom of the link. The worst case scenario is probably that the employer should have declared you redundant - not laid you off - entitling you to 4 weeks notice pay plus stautory redundancy payments.