Jury Service - Self Employed

SueC_2

SensibleSarah said:

This is something that worries me as a freelancer. I have a buffer of funds in case of sickness etc (and insurance cover for long-term sick, just in case) so suppose the emergency fund would just have to cover it, but 2 full weeks not getting paid any of my usual freelance rate would be a big chunk of money. Some of my work could potentially be done evenings/weekends but certainly not the 35 hours a week I'm committed to with my current clients. I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed that it doesn't happen. 

Question for those who have done it - can you use a laptop in the court waiting room i.e. could you potentially work remotely if not called? 

I hate to worry you further, but if called to sit on a 'big' case, it could end up being an awful lot longer than two weeks!

Grumpy_chap

SensibleSarah said:

This is something that worries me as a freelancer. I have a buffer of funds in case of sickness etc (and insurance cover for long-term sick, just in case) so suppose the emergency fund would just have to cover it, but 2 full weeks not getting paid any of my usual freelance rate would be a big chunk of money. 

As a freelancer, you need to manage your finances so that you have a very robust emergency fund. Your business plan and charge-out rates need to be set to support that.

It is often suggested that a minimum of three-months' emergency fund is required:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6163734/how-big-an-emergency-fund-should-i-keep
As a freelancer, you really need to be aiming for 12-month's emergency fund so that you are covered for non-working periods which are inevitable.  Two-weeks without freelance income needs to be just a bump in the road that you don't notice because of the fantastic suspension.

SueC_2 said:

the client may decide they prefer the new widget maker for whatever reason, and the new widget maker may get first dibs on any future contracts.

Not really, because the contract is with the current widget making company and the end client only has access to the substitute widget maker via the current widget maker.

SueC_2 said:

I hate to worry you further, but if called to sit on a 'big' case, it could end up being an awful lot longer than two weeks!

AIUI, the court knows which cases are likely to be protracted and allow individuals to opt out of such cases.

SueC_2

Grumpy_chap said:

SueC_2 said:

the client may decide they prefer the new widget maker for whatever reason, and the new widget maker may get first dibs on any future contracts.

Not really, because the contract is with the current widget making company and the end client only has access to the substitute widget maker via the current widget maker.

The current contract is, yes.  But when this contract ends, other contracts will come along, and the new widget maker is as entitled to apply for them as the old widget maker was.

Grumpy_chap

SueC_2 said:

The current contract is, yes.  But when this contract ends, other contracts will come along, and the new widget maker is as entitled to apply for them as the old widget maker was.

But the current widget maker will have engaged the substitute widget maker on a basis that precludes them going direct to the end client...

Rusty190

I don't know if this helps but, I've just been called and am awaiting my start date.

On the form I had, I could request to defer and would have had to give my reasons, and I was also asked, if my request to defer was approved, to provide 3 more dates when I would be potentially available.

Would this help your friend OP as he could then possibly re-jig his work commitments accordingly?

@SensibleSarah - the info I got said you can use electronic devices while in the waiting area but would not be allowed to take them into the juror deliberation room. Lockers are provided.

DullGreyGuy

Grumpy_chap said:

SueC_2 said:

the client may decide they prefer the new widget maker for whatever reason, and the new widget maker may get first dibs on any future contracts.

Not really, because the contract is with the current widget making company and the end client only has access to the substitute widget maker via the current widget maker.

Technically they may but most widget makers are sensible on who they offer as their substitute and freelance contracts are easy to be broken and replaced. Personally in an agreement with another 2 widget makers, in paper we have similar qualifications, experience and prior clients but we have fairly different preferences on the type of widget we make. 

Thankfully never had to pull in a sub but have been the sub and really wouldnt have wanted the job even if they'd offered it.

SensibleSarah

Grumpy_chap said:

As a freelancer, you need to manage your finances so that you have a very robust emergency fund. Your business plan and charge-out rates need to be set to support that.

It is often suggested that a minimum of three-months' emergency fund is required:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6163734/how-big-an-emergency-fund-should-i-keep
As a freelancer, you really need to be aiming for 12-month's emergency fund so that you are covered for non-working periods which are inevitable.  Two-weeks without freelance income needs to be just a bump in the road that you don't notice because of the fantastic suspension.

Indeed - and 12 months emergency fund is the plan by the end of this year, but I didn't have the luxury of savings when I started so it's a process to build up. Thankfully, I've not had any periods yet when I haven't had work, so getting there faster than anticipated. 

I feel for the OP's situation though - having to manage something like jury duty if you're mid-contract must be a challenge. 10 days notice to make arrangements for cover doesn't feel like a long time to me as I usually have 3+ month lead times on new projects, but I suppose that will vary with different industries. 

Grumpy_chap

DullGreyGuy said:

Thankfully never had to pull in a sub but have been the sub 

The thing here is to have a network of substitute widget makers and engage each other as required.

I have the work I do and sometimes there is too much of it. 
I have two or three good subs I can engage to take up the overload - I know who has the best skills for each type of task and will pull in as required.

The subs I use also sometimes get too busy and will draw me (or one of the others) in to support.

I also have some specific tasks that I will only quote with one or two of the other subs and we present a joint bid as our individual skill sets can't offer the whole package but as a team we can.  There is one sub that I only work with on these joint projects as I never do anything similar any other way.

We all know not to go after each other's clients.  
We all know which clients we need to nurture as a team and not as individuals.

It really is having this team of reliable and trusted subs that avoids the very issue the OP was mentioning of the customer preferring the other widget maker.

SueC_2

Just an update for anyone who would like to know the outcome..... my friend's husband lodged an appeal, citing significant loss of earnings, and has been released.  Granted it may be that he's just kicked the can down the road, but the can's better there than here!

I am struck that the system is flawed, no-one should be financially penalised for doing their civic duty.  That's surely not right or fair.

Thank you everyone for your views and advice.

robatwork

Thanks for updating and please update again if the can arrives back at his door soon. 

This thread doesn't read very nicely as it's been very heavily moderated but glad the appeal process has worked.