Hard Times - Why does Stephen go back to work?

[kev67]

I was surprised that after Stephen Blackpool is sacked by Mr Bounderby, that he continues to go into work for the rest of the week. First, I thought workers were paid in arrears, so Stephen would not owe the company anything. Secondly, I am surprised he was allowed on site. IME companies usually insist that employees who are laid off do not go back to work in case they try to sabotage things.

[mal4mac]

David Copperfield runs away from his job, but having been paid a week in advance he works out his time. I guess "no payment in advance" was far more likely to mean "no money at all" in those days.