Sorry to hear about your problem, but it may not have been the cost of the "work-permit" that was the problem. I'd guess that you simply aren't eligible. Companies can't
promise something that they are unable to deliver, and it is a matter of UK law and the Immigration service as to who gets a working visa,
not companies that make "promises".
I'm more familiar with the US immigration rules (though I am British), but I think that they are broadly the same as the UK's.
Basically, if you aren't married to a Brit or have skills in short supply in the UK (medical, IT, possibly teaching (?)
etc.), it is
very difficult to get a visa to work in the UK.
You don't by chance have a grandparent who was a citizen of any country in the EU do you? If you do you could get a passport from that country (in most cases) and live and work in the UK, or anywhere within the European Onion.