Can I get out of my mobile phone contract?

[Alyson]

I've been with Vodafone more years than I can count and 6 months ago signed a new 18 month contract - I have now changed jobs and will get a phone with the job (the service provider my company uses is also Vodafone) - I have called Vodafone and asked them what my options are and they advise the only way to finish the contract is to pay the remaining "line rental" totalling around £250, since I don't have that sort of money I was wondering if there is a legitimate way to cancel the contract or if I should just stop paying and let them pursue me (they'd have to take a number and get in line, my credit rating is shot so I'm not worried about that) any suggestions??