In the past I've been made redundant twice with no payout as I had been working and I can sympathise with what you've been through Ali.  The first time was half expected and I didn't really like the job anyway so I wasn't too bothered, but the second time came completely out of the blue.  The whole company was called into a meeting, one by one we had to got up to this 'panel' of management who told us whether we were staying or going.  It was truly horrible for everyone whether you were disposed of (like me) or kept on.  Those of us who were let go were escorted into the office and watched as we collected our personal items.  I felt like a criminal! 

I'm self employed now so that's never going to happen again unless I want to take myself into a quiet room and tell myself that I'm no longer needed in the company.  And if that does happen, my sanity needs to be readdressed.