I have a problem at my office, I ‘ ve 5 months with no payments, when I should get my salary every end of month. What I should to do- I don’t have food for my family?

I’m sorry to hear of your problem. I assume you have discussed the issue with the owner/manager. Without knowing what he has said it is very difficult to advise you. I also don’t know where you live, what the legal situation is with your contract or any of the other information I really need to give you sensible advice.

I hope other readers will appreciate that if you want to write to me with a problem, I do need some background information to be able to give you meaningful advice.

If you are not satisfied with your managers answers you should discuss with him again straight away and insist on clarity about the money owed to you, and the likelihood of future salary payments being made.

You can’t decide what to do until you know the reason and the likely developments over the next few days or weeks that would allow him to pay you

This situation would usually be for one of two reasons – he can’t pay, or he won’t pay

If it is the former, he can’t pay, then I assume the business must have cash flow problems. Your manager needs to explain the problem, and tell you when he expects the situation to be resolved.

Is he owed money by a late paying supplier? Or is business so bad that he doesn’t expect it to be resolved. Then you need to decide whether you are going to stay to support him though these difficult times, or leave in search of another positon .

If he won’t pay, for whatever reason, then you need to seek alternative employment immediately.

Do you have any viable alternative employment?

In terms of feeding and supporting your family, you must ask him to pay some money immediately.

Can family help you out with a loan in the short term?

Are there any agencies or charities that will help you in this crisis?

I hope this has been helpful, and that your situation is resolved quickly.

Good luck