Time off for jury service
Trial by jury is an important part of the legal system. Jury service is an important responsibility for all citizens. If you're employed and selected for jury service, your employer must allow you to take time off work to go to your jury service.
Getting time off work for jury service
If you are called for jury service, your employer must allow you time off from work. If they don't, they could be in contempt of court. If you're an employee you have the right not to be treated unfairly, for example not being considered for promotion because of your jury service.
Your employer can get information about jury service for staff:
Telling your employer about jury service
If you have been called for jury service, you should show your employer your Jury Summons. You should tell your employer:
- you have been summoned for jury service
- the start date of your jury service
- about the information for employers of jurors
- how long the judge thinks the trial will last if you are chosen for jury service
If your employer mistreats you for going to jury service, you should follow the grievance procedure in your contract.
If your employer tells you your absence would have serious effect on their business, you can ask for a deferral or excusal. Your employer must give you a letter with the firm's business stamp or headed paper outlining the reasons they believe your absence may be damaging for the business. You must send this letter to the court to consider.
Even if this letter is sent to the court, you still might be asked to attend court.
Requests for excusal or deferral from shift or night workers will be considered on a case by case basis.
Unfair dismissal
If you are sacked because you have been called for or completed jury service, you can claim unfair dismissal. But if your employer told you your absence would have a serious effect on their business and you failed to ask for your jury service to be put off until later or excused, this may affect any claim that you make for unfair dismissal. If this does happen, you should seek independent legal advice.
How long jury service lasts
A jury panel is usually in place for about four weeks.
During the four weeks, jurors could be chosen from the panel and sworn to sit on more than one trial. Trials can last a few days or a number of weeks. Jurors will be told if it looks like a trial will sit for a longer time.
Payment for loss of earnings
Your employer does not have to pay you while you're on jury service. If you meet the requirements and give the Courts your receipts, you can claim from the court for travel, food expense, loss of earnings.
Where to get help
If you have any queries about jury service, contact:
- Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service
- Juryline
- Employment status
- How to resolve a problem at work
The Labour Relations Agency and Advice NI give free, confidential and impartial advice on all employment rights for people in Northern Ireland.
If you're in a trade union, they can give you help and advice.