Introduction

We recognise that serving on a jury is an important civic duty. We will not refuse anyone time off work if they have been summoned for jury service.

This policy does not form part of your contract of employment, and we reserve the right to amend it at any time.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees employed by us.

Time off to attend jury service

You are entitled to time off work to attend jury service.

You will receive a jury summons letter in the post if you are called for jury service. As you are required to respond to the summons within seven days of receiving it, you must notify your line manager about the summons immediately.

You must also provide your line manager with a copy of the summons as evidence to support your request for time off.

In most cases, jury service lasts for ten working days. If you are informed at court that your jury service will likely last longer than ten days, you should immediately let your line manager know. This will help us ensure that we can plan for your absence.

Application for excusal or deferral

If your absence whilst on jury service could cause serious difficulties to the organisation, we may ask you to apply to the court for you to be excused from jury service or for the service to be deferred. In such circumstances, we will provide you with a letter supporting your application, which you must submit with your application for excusal or deferral.

Pay during jury service

Normal pay for a limited period

You will continue to be paid your normal pay rate during the first  10 working days on which you are absent on jury service.

For the remaining period of your jury service, you can claim a loss of earnings allowance from the court. This will be subject to a maximum amount set by HM Courts and Tribunals Service.

To claim the allowance, you must complete the loss of earnings claim form you receive with your jury summons letter. The form should be given to your line manager immediately so they can complete the employer's section and return it to you. You must take the completed form to court on your first day of jury service.

Early release from jury service

As court hearings are regularly adjourned, you may be released for a whole or part day or entirely released from jury service earlier than expected.