Edgars policy affects my credit status

I've recently been ********ly dismissed so I called Edgar's to arrange a payment plan so my account doesn't gi into arrears. What I'm told is they only 'deal with retrenchment' and in order for me to arrange a suitable payment plan I have to wait for my account to go into arrears. Am I right to say that this very poor business strategy? More importantly I'm being responsible and trying to protect my credit reputation and I'm told that's not accepted!