SSP, Furlough or Universal Credit? NHS 1.5m extremely high risk

Margy56

Hi
I am a 64 year old who has this week received a letter from NHS advising me to shield/isolate for 12 weeks as I am at the highest risk of mortality should I contract Covid19.  This is due to receiving major (solid) organ transplant and having a weakened immune system due to immune suppressant medication.

I usually work 30 hours per week for Spar Stores (AF Blakemore Ltd) and will not be allowed to work for 12 weeks and will have no income.  My employers have said that I am not entitled to SSP as the letter only advises me to shield/isolate - if I was self-isolating because I have symptoms or another member of my household had symptoms then they say they would pay SSP for 2 weeks.  Similarly they say that I am not entitled to Furlough (80% pay) as I am choosing not to work.  As such, I have been told my only option is to apply for Universal Credit.

I live alone and have no income.  In the above circumstances should I be entitled to SSP for the 12 weeks isolation period or should I be entitled to Furlough?

Please help

Many thanks