Sorry to hear all that Deema.
Unfortunately a depressingly familiar sort of story (in outline) to many companies I've had dealings with (and/or as employee of).
And Unfortunately NOT limited to the UK (the basic principle) by any means - off the top of my read, read also Germany, Switzerland, Turkey, Singapore, Australia - that's without thinking about the list too carefully.
Just as a matter of interest - and not entirely unconnected - there are a number of Swiss companies which now have Chinese or American owners. The Swiss are get quite twitchy all of a sudden - a recent survey of the most successful Swiss companies now APPARENTLY shows that 40% are foreign-owned. Just to underline your story, it's common practice here (not exclusive, but very common with the larger companies) that a 13th month salary (to be paid end Nov/early Dec) is written into the employment contract - in many cases "subject to company performance" - not unreasonable IMO).
Anyway, whether your work it involves "just" you or employees still, more power to your elbow mate.