We had a call recently from a client who had a member of staff called to do Jury Service. They weren’t clear on what the rules are around paying staff for absence during Jury Service. We were able to advise them of the following:
Jury service in the UK typically lasts for a fixed period, which can vary but is often up to two weeks.
UK laws provide protection for employees who serve on a jury as Employers are generally prohibited from dismissing or otherwise penalizing employees for attending jury service.
Employees have the right to request time off work to fulfil their jury service obligations.
Employers have no responsibility to pay employees while they are on Jury Service, though many do. Money cannot be claimed back from the courts to cover wages paid.
Employees can claim a loss of earnings allowance from the court. The employer will need to complete a loss of earnings certificate.
Employers can decide to top up an employees wage so that they don’t don’t lose any pay.
Having worked within businesses as a Line Manager, I know first hand some of the frsutrations faced…
