Three years ago I was given a cheque by the company I work for for expenses. However owing to a number of unfortunate circumstances I lost the cheque, and they now refuse to issue another one. Do I have a right to claim this money at this stage?
Yes. Although they’ve issued you with a cheque they haven’t actually paid you. Even if you could find the cheque now it’s unlikely the bank would cash it: cheques that aren’t presented within six months are known as “stale”. However the drawer (the company you work for) remains liable on it for a period of six years from the date of issue. It could of course jeopardise your relationship with the company, but you’re entitled to demand a replacement and would have no difficulty getting the money via the small claims court.