Made redundant-worried about OVERSTAY

[Sam4you]

Hi
I have been on work permit for 4 yrs and 2 months and is still valid until March 2012. But I was made redundant and finished employment on April 30. Desperately looking for a new job , but could not find any.

The company HR said they will inform HO by first week of May. But I have not recived anything from HO so far. its already more than 28 days.

I would like to know

1.) Is there anything called 28 day period exist to leave country?
2). also if I make a new application as student in next 2 weeks would there be any implications for the 2 or 3 weeks overstay?

Kindly help in this difficult time please. I have tried Tier 1 but points dont add up even after 4 yrs working here and Masters degree. I am 30 yr old.

Many thanks

Sam[/u]