What benefits can I claim?

Kim_13

PM22 said:

They won't back off, they'll just use it against me. They're dentists. They make terrible employers.

They can’t do that, that would be illegal. If they were to unfairly dismiss you then that would help you as you would be entitled to benefits with no deductions while looking for another job.

Edit: Good luck with the interview.

elsien

It’s not illegal to dismiss someone on capability grounds even if they have a disability. 

The OP has chosen not to disclose the health issue, which may or may not qualify as a disability, so telling the employer now isn’t necessarily automatically going to change things. 

poppy12345

Kim_13 said:

PM22 said:

Why, what's the point going sick? I would have to disclose my condition which I'm not willing to do

If you choose to leave, you would have your UC sanctioned (no money coming in for at least three months from a quick Google.) 

This is unlikely to happen if you leave work for a good reason, medical conditions will be a good reason. 

Spoonie_Turtle

elsien said:

It’s not illegal to dismiss someone on capability grounds even if they have a disability. 

The OP has chosen not to disclose the health issue, which may or may not qualify as a disability, so telling the employer now isn’t necessarily automatically going to change things. 

It's not, but legally they would have to consider whether any reasonable adjustments would allow OP to (better) do their job.

OP unfortunately hasn't done themselves any favours by not disclosing it before though.  I don't know how the process usually goes but it is generally easier to work together on things earlier on, than when you've already gone quite a way down a certain path missing a key piece of information.

[Ideally supportive workplaces wouldn't need a disclosure to try and find ways of helping their employees do better, but we're not there yet for most workplaces.]

M25

If you have very little money you need to protect yourself so see about getting a sick note (double speak: fit note) from your GP.

Your GP is the only person who can help in this type of problem which may lead to a crisis.

Even if you were to be sanctioned on UC there is still access to help https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/sanctions/hardship-payment/

I don't see why you would be sanctioned anyway.

You have to try and think 3 or 4 weeks ahead.

It sounds like you have a poor relationship with your employer. Would a heart to heart help with someone in the surgery? Is there someone you can speak to?

It sounds like you're eligible for Statutory Sick Pay https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay that may givve you a bit of space to think.

I've had the same dentist for over 40 years a wonderful manner but he's incredibly tough to his assistants I think.

PM22

Now I don't know what to do, go sick or just leave....

Flugelhorn

PM22 said:

Now I don't know what to do, go sick or just leave....

they won't be surprised if you go sick

PM22

I think I'll just leave then.

poppy12345

PM22 said:

I think I'll just leave then.

There maybe entitlement to SSP if you provide a fit note. (formally known as sick note) 

PM22

I don't want to tell them my diagnosis as they are dentists and they make jokes about people with bipolar