Called for Jury Service -advice needed

thatgirlsam

jess1974 wrote: »

I also dread getting called up for this, my 3 kids are all school age and there is no one else to take and bring home from school, are they sympathetic to this or would my husband be forced to take time off work?

not sympathetic at all im afraid - i was told 'we pay for childcare, its not a reason not to do it'

i did find it interesting though

prowla

I was 10 years self-employed and dreading getting called (and perhaps getting a lengthy case).
I took a "permanent" job in a law firm, and got called up for jusry service not long after; I was paid my salary. For once things fell just right for me!
The jury service itself was fairly interesting, but a bit tedious.

Katyag

My mum has got doctors notes to excuse her but then she has Graves disease (eye problems due to thyriod) so her eyesight can have bad days and good days so trying to see evidence etc would be a problem.

Shes been called up 3 times in the last 2 years!! Shes sick of it!

DKLS

broughy wrote: »

i was under the impression you could claim from the court for loss of earnings whilst you're on jury duty? i don't know how it might work for you since you do supply work though, but i'm fairly sure you're not meant to be out of pocket for doing jury duty!

The loss of earnings wouldn't cover my day rate, hence why I will never do jury service.
Its about time we had professional juries.

Geenie

See this site http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/jury_service/allowances.htm

It states that you can claim for loss of earnings, child care etc, though it might not be as much as you would earn yourself.

I was called for Jury service about 20 years ago, but was 8 months pregnant at the time, and needed the loo every half hour, so had no problem getting out of it! I would have liked to attend though, just to see how a court works from the inside. It is one heck of a responsibility though, and not to be undertaken half heartedly.

furndire

I got called earlier this year. Supposed to be for 2 weeks. Ended up going 3 days.
1st day, waited to be told, after lunch, paid for by court, no case on that day.
2nd day, some got picked before lunch to sit on a case, told not needed, so could leave, after lunch
Luckily/Unluckily got called on 3rd day, but was one of the 2 who didn't get drawn out of the hat on the 3rd day in the court room, and allowed to come home after lunch. Didn't have to go again.
I felt as though it was a farce. If you add up what everybody is getting in expenses etc, its a b.... expensive system to run.!!!!!!!!
If you do go, make sure you have a good book, or quiz book etc, as its very boring sitting around waiting. They do have tv etc, and really try to make you feel comfortable, but still boring.
We live about 30 miles away from Court, and were supposed to catch a train - rubbish service between the towns - as I had a hip problem at the time I managed to be able to use my car and get about 30p per mile, and carpark fees. Can't remember how much per day though. If you are self employed, its certainly costs you money to do Jury Service.

rsdiscos

Thanks for all the replies.
I have written a letter explaining my situation and sent it recorded delivery hoping they get back to me with a date in August. Hopefully they will see it a positive that I am willing to do it earlier???
Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Melissa

Bettyboop

I was called for Jury Service and I accepted it only to be turned down because I hadn't been resident in the UK for 5 years at the time. I have been a British Citizen for almost 14 years but I was gutted to have my spot cancelled. I'm sure it would have been interesting. I wasn't enjoying my job and looking for another at the time.

buxtonrabbitgreen

A colleague had to do jury service he got £25 a day expenses and fed. But he had to use his annual leave in order to be paid by work. So I hope not to get called in.

sugarsuze

I have a hypothetical question that I wonder if anyone can answer. A mate of mine has just been called up for jury service, hes a self employed guy and a single dad. He would lose a lot of money and be stuck for childcare if does the jury service. He said he has written off to them to tell them he is very racist and very sexist, and believes everyone who ends up in court should automatically be found guilty regardless of eveidence so he believes he is not a good candidate for jury service!! (hes not at all racist/sexist in reality, he just wants to try everything to get out of doing it). What do you think they will say to him? What if in reality someone WAS racist/sexist? Wouldthe jury service have to let them off?