Is this how it should be? MN's advice needed please.

[wishfulthinking]

I'll try and make it brief - was made redundant last August from a job I really, really enjoyed. Not a great salary and with no career propects but the people were terrific and it suited me down to the ground. Was offered another job immediately via a friend of a friend within a travel agency (previous job was in admin/manufacturing). My instinct after my friendly chat/interview told me that it wasn't a good thing but I was tempted by the slightly improved salary and not having the trauma of creating a new cv (haven't done one for 7 years), going to interviews etc.
Anyway, it's awful, terrible and I hate it. My boss (female) is a tyrant and I am utterly intimidated by her. She only has to call my name and I feel my tummy knot up and I feel sick. At the end of Feb I was so upset I walked out of the office in tears only to return because I didn't want to appear weak. There are times when she is a kind and 'normal' boss but in the majority she's nuts! None of the staff have contracts of employment, there are no breaks or lunch breaks; holidays are permitted only when it convenient for her. We moved house on the 17 March and I haven't been able to take any holiday days due to there being no one to cover for me. I have now decided to leave and go temping for the sake of my health (yet another day of being sick and the 'other' due to nerves) and also my home life as all I seem to do is worry about what the next day will bring. Can anyone tell me the following please?

1. Do I have to give notice as I don't have a contract
2. I have 4 weeks and three days holiday due to me - am I entitled to get that in my final salary?
3. When I write my letter of resignation I intend to explain (sensibly) why I am leaving but do I also mention that I am expecting the above in holiday pay mentioned in point 2. The only reason I am able to write this thread now is because she is away for a week. Another example of her unreasonable behaviour: In the process of moving and all that that entails, I was told to curtail my private calls (to my mobile) as it would set a bad example.....how are you supposed to sell/move house but not be allowed time off including no lunch hour . All thoughts would be greatly received.

Thanks edam - I now know not to make myself look like an idiot when I hand over my resignation letter! Bring it on Nasty-Boss-Woman

Had my interview this morning and it went really well. They've got a couple more to do but I shoud hear by the middle of next week if I've got it . If all goes to plan I could be hadning my notice in by this time next week...hurrah! A little premature with the optimism but I'm just so desperate to get out of that hell whole. If my boss was on holiday when I handed in my letter would the notice still start from the date I put? She's always going away and it is not intential that I would chose to do this.....perhaps very lucky

I would say no - as long as someone receives your resignation on your boss's behalf and you are giving the right notice it goes from when you had it in,..

I'm gutted - I didn't get the job....that'll teach me to be overly confident (which I'm NOT). They said I was their second choice but the successful candidate had more sales experience than me and could work full time. Boll*s!!!!! It looks like I'll be here for a while yet as there doesn't seem to be much out there for me i.e. jack of all trades, dabbled in lots of areas but with no real qualifications (apart from 'o' levels etc). This is why I'm so keen on my dd (2.3) to do well at school/uni - I wish I'd been more bothered back then.