Went off sick in November, employer refusing SSP and not providing SSP1

England

Started new job as a bank support worker in June as I returned to studies as a student nurse in September. Picked up shifts every week, maybe missing one or two weeks for revision, from June until November. In November it became too much as with revision and placement I was working 100 hours a week and the stress was too much, but unfortunately as Im a mature student I couldn't afford to not work. Pushed through until I had panic attacks and was forced to go off sick with plan to return after my exams in Jan. I got a fit note from the doctors and sent it on whatsapp on the 2nd Dec. My manager said theres nothing he could do with it and I asked if I'm getting SSP, he said no as its included throughout the year in payslips. I checked all my payslips and I've never received SSP and also thats not how it works lol. I called HMRC who went through all my payslips and confirmed I'm eligible, I went back to my manager explaining this and he said he will speak to payroll. I heard nothing back until today (29thdec) and he said payroll said I don't qualify as I havent worked regularly enough. I have worked every single week since June, usually 2 or 3 12 hour shifts a week, and HMRC said I am eligible? I also have checked my contract and it doesnt say anything about sick pay at all. I asked for an SSP1 form and my manager said he will forward me the email from payroll saying no basically, no form. I didnt even get the email lol.

What do I do from here? I have had no pay at all and my exams are in 2 weeks so I physically can't go back to work now, I will risk my mental health (which I have worked so hard to get better at..). I have gone back to HMRC who have sent me forms and I need to print off my payslips and whatnot but they've said it will take months for me to receive this pay, which is literally 500 quid. I have no pay at all!!