Dad called for jury service - full time carer for mum

sherbie28

Hello,

Not really sure where to put this. My dad's been called for Jury Service but he's a full time carer for my mum. Does anyone know if he will have to do it and if not what sort of thing we need to write. Thanks

Janepig

It's pretty difficult to get out of Jury Service these days - I used to be exempt through my job but not any more. There should be a number on the letter that you can ring and explain the position. I know of people that have managed to defer it through illness or the like, and I know of three people earlier in the year that were called but after being on standby for a week they didn't actually have to go to Court in the end.

Jxx

c_smith

Phone up the number on the letter and explain the circumstances. If that doesn't work, say, "I don't know why they bother with trials anyway, the police don't lock up innocent people", and the likelihood is you'll get out of it.

Kay_Peel

I like C Smith's suggestion (above). Only joking.

While I'm not on jury service, I have recently been given notice to attend court as a witness in the magistrates court. They have sent me a claim form that has a paragraph which may help your dad.

'Employing someone to cover your absence, a locum or childcare costs'. It says they will pay £67 per day if you have to pay someone because of your caring responsibilities. The person must fill in the claim form and confirm how much you've paid them. You cannot claim for employing someone if you are also claiming loss of earnings, which seems fair enough.

Your father will also get:
* Travel expenses,
* A subsistence allowance that is paid automatically depending on the number of days spent at the trial and hanging around.

In cases of hardship, there is the facility to get an Advance Payment.

Remember - I'm talking about a witness going to lower court, not a jury member in the Crown Court. Dad needs to phone the number and ask whether he, too, can claim.

And then - possibly, a hard-up student, a nurse, a care asistant or member of the family could come and stay for five days and get some expenses for their trouble?

Hope that helps.

KP

black-saturn

When my mum went she had to employ a carer for my nan on the days thay she was there and claim it back.

nej

Homer Simpson: "The trick is to tell them your're prejudiced against everyone".

MrSmartprice

Get social services involved straight away. Tell them that she will be vulnerable if she is left alone and that you want them to do an assessment immediately. Ask them how they are going to cover the absence of the carer through no fault of his own. Push them for answers.

Remember that most social services departments are bone idle, and there is a great deal of inertia there. They will respond to you if you make it clear you are not going to be fobbed off. They like an easy life and will just fob someone else off instead.

Walnut_whipp

I did jury service a few years ago... I had just started a new job and thought my boss would give me the chop... I rang the court and asked if I could give it a miss... the answer was a big fat no!!! My boss was not pleased as the case lasted a whole three weeks!!! I have to say I was very scared at the thought of jury service. But I actually enjoyed the experience.

madhouse

I was called for jury service during my A-level year at school. I was told there was no way of getting out of it I could only postpone by 6 months which would have been in the middle of the A-levels. I dread the thought of being called up again as I now have a son with Autism and I am his main carer. We rarely even go out as he can't cope with being left with anyone, he doesn't even go to school and I teach him at home. Hopefully you will find a way out.

astonsmummy

If u cant get out of it, i would definately call social services and push them for an assesment, then they would be able to arrange a suitable care option.
good luck xx

clairec79

I was heavily pregnant when called up (ie 37 weeks and previous baby born at 38 weeks), all they would do is put it off for 6 months - so went back to work for about a fortnight before having to go on jury service (even if the judge did send me out because I had an allergic reaction to being stung in court)