Lupus & Financial Support

[ad_uk]

Hi,

I have received a letter from the NHS requesting me to shield due to Lupus. I work as a care worker in the private sector.

I have been told by work that I will have to go onto the SSP programme in order to receive any financial support, and that a sick note is required. My understanding of the plethora of documentation on the GOV and LupusUK site is that this is not the case, and my letter from the Chief Health Officer provides enough validation to continue with payroll.

I have asked the company if i will be entitled to 80% wage as essentially a furloughed worker, and been told explicitly No, you will only receive SSP. Financially i cannot afford this, and no other option has been offered by the company payroll.

I am now at a loss what to do...file grievance on medical terms to push for 24 weeks full pay, or at minimum the 12 weeks I am required to shield.

Any help or guidance would be much appreciated!

Thanks

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[CarolMcl]

Hi, this is a hot subject at the moment. I'm in the same boat as you being an agency nurse. I've also been told that I'm only entitled to SSP. Even though I'm PAYE and also the company pays my pension. Apparently, although I'm not contracted to any hours, I'm not a zero hour contract worker, I have a "contract of engagement". This has so angered me that I contacted my MSP who has been great, he has escalated this to the Chancellor and given me a copy of what he wrote. Fingers crossed that they will realise that many essential workers are being failed.

[ad_uk in reply to CarolMcl]

Thanks Carol. I am contracted to Full Time hours, and for the life of me can't figure out my next step. Maybe a raise to the local MP will help with this issue, other than this I am at a loss, without escalating to the press and further with the government.

[CarolMcl in reply to ad_uk]

Hi, yes it is very difficult. The fact that you receive SSP means you won't be entitled to universal credit unless they change the rules again. I don't understand how they work it. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that now it's been highlighted, they may make changes

[ad_uk in reply to CarolMcl]

In my view, i shouldnt be on SSP as i'm not sick. Therefore that leaves UC open, but the better solution would be furlough, or suspension on medical grounds and full wage if not 80%.

[CarolMcl in reply to ad_uk]

I totally agree with you but unfortunately SSP has been worded in a way now that it's not just sick pay. It's a payment for people who can't work due to the coronavirus, whether that be as a sufferer or someone who has to self isolate for whatever reason because of it.

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi ad_uk,

I can understand that is a difficult situation to be in at the moment. We have published an online article about support for people in self-isolation and shielding which covers financial support; salary support, Statutory Sick Pay, Benefits and universal credit. You can read the article at lupusuk.org.uk/coronavirus-...

Take care.