Denied Z visa but granted foreign expert permit?

I have a problem that has become a major issue with my visa for China. Any advice on who to contact or what to do would be very helpful. My ex employer handled my application for my Z visa. After a trip to Hong Kong, I was told that one of the papers needed for my application to be processed was not dated. Because I couldn’t make another return trip within such short notice; I asked the agent at the Embassy there if I could have someone else bring my application in for the visa. The agent said that was fine, but the person had to have a Hong Kong address. I returned to the mainland on a tourist visa, and my ex-employer went to handle the application again. Apparently, my visa was mailed to a relative in Hong Kong and was processed. I received my passport back with the 30-day Z visa. The company then applied for a Foreign Expert Certificate and began the process for the residence permit. The visa office, however, declined the residence permit because I didn’t have an entry stamp for the 30 Z visa. I had to then get another tourist visa while in the mainland. Due to the unprofessional manner of handling my visa, I decided to change my employer. Upon finding a new job, my current employer says I need a release of contract from my old employer. Is this necessary, since my ex-employer never provided me a working visa? I do have the foreign expert certificate(book), but I have been told that it’s not valid without a work visa. Now, the ex-employer is saying we have a year contract and they will not release me from the contract; however, it’s been two months and I haven’t had a work visa or employment with them. Advice Please