Sorry I wasn't clear enough.
In the old days when I first started being an expat (many moons ago), Business Class (which is what I am contractually entitled to) was very flexible. You could change dates, change airlines or cash the ticket in and travel at a different class or departure point.

My experience now is that there is Business Class and there is business class ie at least two different levels within the definition of Business class with vastly different levels of flexibility.

Eg I had to travel from Toulouse to Singapore a couple of years ago (visa issues again come to think of it but not as nasty - maybe it is me - dont forget, even paranoids have real enemies) and an ATC strike stopped the flight. Despite being Business class, I was advised by the airline that I was restricted as to whom I could fly as an alternative, whether I could train down to Barcelona and fly out of there etc etc

Bottom line - The company will buy a business class flight for a date in the future and for the same or less as a one way ticket I could get a return and come back here next year. However how changeable are Business Class tickets or is that so dependent on which airline that no simple answer can be given.

PS thanks for the sympathy - forgot to mention that as an ex-employee, my medical coverage has also been cancelled