Jury Duty
Jury duty is a civic responsibility requiring eligible citizens to serve on a jury in court, for which employees have the right to take time off work.
leave-types
Category
beginner
Difficulty
4 min read
Read time
2025-01-15
Updated
Definition
Short definition
Jury duty is a civic responsibility requiring eligible citizens to serve on a jury in court, for which employees have the right to take time off work.
Detailed explanation
Jury duty is a legal obligation where citizens may be summoned to serve as jurors in court proceedings. Employees have the right to time off work for jury service, and employers cannot penalize them for fulfilling this civic duty.
While employers are not legally required to pay employees during jury service, many choose to top up the allowance provided by the court. Employees can claim loss of earnings from the court up to a maximum daily amount.
Jury service typically lasts 10 working days but can extend for longer trials. Employers should plan for potential extended absences and maintain good communication with the employee.
Practical guidance
How it works
Employee receives jury summons and notifies employer. Employer grants time off. Employee may claim loss of earnings from court, and employer may choose to top up or continue full pay.
Best practices
Have clear jury service policy
Consider paying full salary as a benefit
Plan for extended service possibility
Legal context
Legal basis
Juries Act 1974 (UK), Employment Rights Act 1996
Jurisdiction: UK
Key provisions
Employees have right to time off for jury service
Employers cannot dismiss or penalize for jury service
No legal requirement to pay during jury service
Court provides loss of earnings allowance
Official source
Frequently asked questions
Does my employer have to pay me during jury service?
No, employers are not legally required to pay during jury service. However, many do as a benefit. You can claim loss of earnings from the court up to a set daily maximum.