Bipolar. Members spotted illness. Dr concerns. Work time off

Buzzard1985

Been told I am hypomanic and ought to take time out off work.  Nigh working and sleeping etc. Bipolar diagnosis.
Now.  I see from day 4 I can get a measly amount in Statutory Sick Pay. My Dr looked at my contract and said I will get two weeks full pay for my length of service.
So two weeks then drop to piddle. My savings are locked and too much to claim anything.  I also don't have enough zNI for non contribution ESA for example.
I assume furlong is only for COVID?
Got little choice but to go into work unfortunately.   
Few on here messaged regarding my postings.  My partner had called the Dr but I am not detainable, thankfully.

Now I my manager has a lose mouth.  I was told why certain folks were isolating way back.  Also another his colostomy bag he keeps getting infections recently.

I am worried the psychiatrist or go puts Bipolar. Hypo episode.   Go further if was locked up.  Detailed under xxxxx.
What can I do here with a unprofessional manager?  I don't want him knowing this as extremely private information.     I need to give a reason by phone if after speaking with Dr it's agreed and told to stop driving. Which is a automatic three months suspension!  Access to work get me a taxi until got it back. 
Right enough mind racing here.
Any help or indeed been in this situation most welcome.   Frankly terrified as first long term job in 17 years I believe.  So progressed well but can't help the illness.  Meds has helped wonderfully.
Regards.  Rather wet tonight.

KatrinaWaves

Your health is more important than money. If you have too much money to claim benefits you need to find a way of getting to that money, even if it means paying a penalty to access it. 

Does your partner work? Is it sustainable to live on that for the time being alongside using your savings? Savings are for a rainy day and as you say, it’s rather wet tonight. 

elsien

If I remember rightly, you are doing some fairly hefty night shifts.
My thoughts are that if your doctor is recommending some down time, that’s what you should do. Several weeks now has to be better than a longer period later   

which you might be looking at if you’re not careful. 
 

I take it you didn’t declare your diagnosis at interview. I know not everyone chooses to do so for some fairly obvious reasons but it would be helpful if you need reasonable adjustments at any point. 

Mrsn

I’m glad your partner got in contact and I think now where the blip can be managed rather than what it could turn into is the better option, I know that is a lot to take in currently. 

You are correct furlough will only be for reasons related to COVID I’m afraid. I would as Katrina said look into whether it’s feasible to get access to those savings or whether in the very short term you can manage on your partners wage.

Buzzard1985

Got Power of Attorney folk to step in to deal with savings to release.  Which is killing me knowing all the saving for something. 
Hopefully 3-4 weeks at most off.
 

Buzzard1985

Is there a calculator to work how much SSP I will get?  i am in the 21% Scottish rate so I assume pay enough in to get full SSP

elsien

There’s an employers calculator on gov.uk - I guess it applies to Scotland? It asks for an end date though so you’ll have to hazard a guess at that.
Think of it as savings being for a mixture of future planning and rainy day fund. This is the rainy day bit, hopefully more of a short drizzle than a downpour.
All the best. 

calcotti

SSP is £95.85/week if you qualify. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/work/rights-at-work/sick-pay/check-if-youre-entitled-to-sick-pay/