My employer( a care home) refused to furlough me if not shielded. Wanted proof off Dr and by time got it was too late to apply anyway. Also managed to get out of paying SSP. Long story but working with Union. I'm currently signed off by GP due to work related anxiety. I have been surviving on savings,I'm one of lucky ones. GPs and employers vary vastly in how supportive they are. Mine not only not paying me but refused any form of work from home(they are a company of 5 homes with their own training department and I am trained teacher) and ignored requests for individual risk assessment, alternative roles. All they would say is I cant socially distance in my role. If I did as they said I would be safe! Oh and return to work when I feel it's safe!
Looking at the risk faced by diabetics and care workers I simply cannot believe 12 hours in a poorly ventilated building where cant socially distance is acceptable. They have lost nearly a third of their residents to Covid and are currently apparently on internal lock down again.
I have indeed wondered of discrimination on terms of disability and mentioned to Union. They didnt seem unduly excited by concept.