Jury Service

[Tizzi24]

My son has been called for Jury Service and whilst he has no objection to doing this, at the moment it will be very hard financially. He is employed as a Head Chef and is on decent money. Unfortunately, a few years ago he got into a lot of debt, which he has been repaying under a Debt Management Plan for the last 5 years. It should all be repaid within 12-16 months. As far as I know, he earns approx. £450 p.w., so if he does jury service, at £30 per day, this is obviously not going to cover his debt commitments.

Is this a valid reason for him not being able to serve on a jury? He is quite willing to be on a jury when the debt is repaid. Hope someone can help, thanks.

[woofgang]

I think the answer is to go back to the senders of the letter and put that as a reason for asking for deferment. Some employers will continue to pat salary though, has he asked about this?

[Tizzi24]

Thanks wolfgang for your reply. Yes he has asked if he will get paid and the answer was "no". I've suggested to him that he tells the court he's on this plan, so I guess we'll have to wait and see what they say.

[tonywiltshire]

Yes explain to the court his position they may at least permit a deferral of jury service, complete the section called Deferral and Excusal. I think you may also find that payment for a longer day is over £60. The courts do think of Jury service as an important civic duty.

[THECORBYLOON]

He can make a ciaim for loss of earnings, see here, https://www.gov.uk/jury-service/how-to-claim-expenses

[EDDIE51]

The payment for jury service is a lot more than £30 a day.
I was called 12 years ago and even then I got £80 a day plus expenses.

[EDDIE51]

Look at this link
https://www.gov.uk/jury-service/what-you-can-claim
£64.95 a day plus travel and food cost paid , you can claim child care cost as well.
I would add that just because he is summoned dos not mean he will have to actually go. They summons a lot more people than they actually need as there are a lot who drop out or can not serve. Another tme I was summoned I had to phone in at 4pm every day to see if I was going to be needed , it the end I did not have to go.
Not really the 'right thing to do' but anyone who knows the person on trial or anyone , family etc, connected with them can not serve on the jury. He could phone up and say 'sorry, but I know the defendant' that would get him out of it. Obviuosly you can't do this until you know which trial you are on. I know it happens a lot

[Tizzi24]

Thank you all so much for your replies, it's much appreciated. We're hoping he may be able to defer it, but will keep you posted.

[starone]

As I recall, you do not know what (if any) jury you are going to sit on until the actual moment of being picked (on the day).

[EDDIE51]

In my case I had to phone in to see if the previous case had finished so they could start the next one that i was on the jury panel for.