Jury Service & Redundancy

jgunn76

I was called up for Jury Service in September but asked to be deferred as I was in the States on those dates, which they accepted. I then got my second letter stating that I have to attend on December 7th which was fine. Until Monday, where I was promptly made redundant. I have been fortunate to have had two interviews this week and both were going great until I told them I have to attend Jury Service at which point a polite smile is followed by a direction to the nearest door. Now I have been deferred once so I have to attend but I can't stay unemployed until after xmas. Can I be excused? Or am I up a creek?

jayII

Have you contacted the courts to ask? They do make an exception in certain circumstances.

I was excused twice, some years ago, because of my work and family responsibilities.

Anihilator

Sorry but I dont believe any employer is turning away a candidate solely because they have upcoming jury service.

Secondly why tell them.

jgunn76

In the main run up to Xmas an employer isn't going to employ me knowing I am going to be unavailable at their busiest time.
I have to tell them now because if I didn't and then told them after getting hired then I would get sacked.

Anihilator

jgunn76 wrote: »

In the main run up to Xmas an employer isn't going to employ me knowing I am going to be unavailable at their busiest time.
I have to tell them now because if I didn't and then told them after getting hired then I would get sacked.

I doubt it tbh. Yes it may put retailers off but I very much doubt they would decline for what is likely to be 1 or 2 days max if your the right candidate and I disagree that you would be sacked if you forget to mention it and then tell them you have just found out.

456789

Don't they have to legally allow you to go?

1jim

I wouldnt tell them unless they asked, pleanty of time to tell them when you start

bristol_pilot

Don't tell them.

Sacking you for going on jury service is contempt of court.

jgunn76

But when I do tell them, admin or HR will want the letter from the courts which is dated 15 October, so I can't say I just found out.