Shielding and pay

[27Bananas]

I have asthma that is triggered by viral illness and hayfever. I have been off work for the last 2 1/2 weeks as I have been on antibiotics and steroids. I have been given a different inhaler that is now working well. My GP says I'm at severe risk but unlikely to recieve a sheilding letter as I haven't been admitted to ICU or HDU in the last year. They will not issue a letter as these are the guidelines.

This morning I received an email from Sainsburys offering a priority slot as the government had highlighted me as on the extremely vulnerable list. But no letter yet...I am not planning on returning to work...I have 4 children and cannot risk it.

One employer has said I'm entitled to nothing, which is fair enough as I only did 1 night a week for 4 weeks earning just under the ssp threshold per week.

Second employer I started on 4th Jan and earn around £147 per week. I've sent evidence of my prescription and advised them of the risk. They have told me that as I am shielding on my GP advice, but am not actually unwell, I am not entitled to ssp or furlough, just unpaid leave. Can anyone advise please?

I have lost £1000 pm pay and today my husband was furloughed on 80% pay so I am quite worried.

www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus/vulnerable-people-and-high-risk

Although the BMA say there is nothing specific in the guidance about Drs even being paid when they are in the shielding group.
www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/covid-19/your-health-and-wellbeing/covid-19-doctors-isolating-and-those-in-vulnerable-groups

Would you be able to apply for benefits as you are not receiving pay?
www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit

You can be furloughed due to the need to self isolate or shielding

See money saving expert

You can claim SSP if your doctor advises it. Speak to him that you appear to fall between the gaps and need some evidence of his advice to self protect for 12 weeks.