If an employee is called up for Jury Service then employers are required to allow time off to complete the required Jury Service.
However, employers can request that jury service is postponed where absence would have a serious effect on business. In addition, there is no legal obligation on employers to pay employees during jury service and therefore employers have the choice of whether or not to pay.
It is good practice to have a policy in place that deals with time off for jury service, in which it states whether this time off will be paid or unpaid. Where employers decide not to pay, employees can claim loss of earnings from the Court. It’s worth noting that loss of earnings is set at an approved rate by the Court and is not based on an individual’s current salary. Employees may also claim travel, parking, food and drink expenses from the Court. Should overnight stays be required by the Court, they will arrange accommodation.
Dismissing an employee for carrying out jury service, could lead to a claim for unfair dismissal. Furthermore, should employees feel they are unreasonably refused time off to attend Jury Service, or are treated detrimentally as a result of taking time off for jury service, they can make a complaint to the Employment Tribunal.
If you have any further questions on the subject matter then please contact Karen Scott on 07762 629 448 or get in touch by clicking here.
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