Jury duty leave is a civic obligation that most employers must accommodate — but the rules vary significantly between the UK, US, and Australia. In some jurisdictions, employers must pay employees during jury service. In others, the obligation is unpaid and employees may need to reclaim lost earnings from the court system.

Key Takeaways

  • UK employees — Jury service is compulsory if you are summoned. Employers must release you. You can claim lost earnings from the court (up to £67.17/day after the first 10 days).
  • US employees — No federal law requiring paid jury leave. 23 states require some form of jury duty leave. Most employers do not pay for jury service.
  • Australian employees — Jury service is compulsory. Employers must release you. You can claim juror fees from the court. Payment rates vary by state.
  • Your employer cannot fire you for serving on a jury in the UK, US (federal), or Australia — but protections vary for short-service employees.
  • Provide your employer with your jury summons as soon as you receive it to arrange time off.

Template 1: Employee Jury Duty Notification (Email)

Use this when you receive your jury summons and know the dates.

Subject: Jury Duty Notification — [Your Name]

Hi [Manager],

I've received a jury summons and will need time off to attend jury service. The court date is [Date], and I expect to be [there for the day / serving for a period of time depending on the case].

I've attached a copy of the jury summons for your records.

I will keep you updated on how long I am required to serve and will return to work as soon as I am dismissed.

During my absence, [Colleague] can cover [specific responsibilities].

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Template 2: Employee Jury Duty Notification (Letter)

For employers who require formal written notification.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

[Manager's Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Subject: Jury Service Notification — [Your Name]

Dear [Manager's Name],

I am writing to formally notify you that I have been summoned to serve on a jury.

The court date is [Date], and I have reported for duty at [Court Name and Address]. I have attached a copy of the jury summons for your reference.

I understand my obligations under [UK/US/AU law — e.g., the Juries Act 1974 (UK) / the Fair Work Act 2009 (AU)] and I confirm that this leave is for compulsory jury service.

I will update you on the expected duration of my service as soon as the court provides this information. I will return to work as soon as I am dismissed or excused.

During my absence, I have arranged for [Name] to cover my key responsibilities.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Template 3: Employer’s Jury Service Verification Letter

For employers who provide a letter confirming employment dates for jury fee claims.

[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

This letter confirms that [Employee Name] is employed by [Company Name] as a [Job Title] and has been employed continuously since [Start Date].

Their weekly earnings are £[X] (UK) / $[X] (US/AU).

[Employee Name] has been granted leave to attend jury service starting [Date]. We will release them from work for the duration of their jury service as required by law.

This letter is provided at the employee's request for the purpose of claiming [lost earnings / jury fee / financial loss allowance].

Please contact [Name] at [Phone/Email] if you require further information.

Sincerely,

[Manager's Name]
[Company Name]

Template 4: Employer’s Confirmation of Jury Duty Attendance

For the court to confirm the employee has attended jury service.

[Company Name]
[Date]

I confirm that [Employee Name] was present at work on [Dates] and was absent on [Dates] due to jury service. The employee was not performing any regular duties during the period of jury service.

Please contact [Manager's Name] at [Phone/Email] with any questions.

Sincerely,

[Manager's Name]

Jury Duty Rules by Country

Country Is Jury Duty Compulsory? Paid by Employer? Financial Loss Allowance
UK Yes (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) Employers are not required to pay. Many do. Up to £67.17/day after the first 10 days (2026 rates). Travel and subsistence also paid.
US Yes (federal and state) No federal requirement. 23 states require some form of leave (some paid, some unpaid). Most courts pay a small juror fee ($15–$50/day). Federal courts pay $58/day after 10 days.
AU Yes (all states and territories) Employers not required to pay. Each state pays a juror fee (varies — e.g., NSW pays $123.30/day for the first 10 days, $246.70/day after that).
NZ Yes Employers not required to pay. Juror fee of $102/day for the first 10 days, $204/day after (2026 rates).

Employee Protections During Jury Service

Country Protection
UK Automatic unfair dismissal protection for employees with 2+ years’ service if dismissed for attending jury service.
US The Jury System Improvement Act of 1978 prohibits firing or threatening federal jurors. State protections vary. Some states protect all employees regardless of length of service.
AU It is an adverse action under the Fair Work Act to dismiss or disadvantage an employee for attending jury service.
NZ Employees are protected from dismissal for attending jury service under the Juries Act 1981.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to serve on a jury if my employer refuses to release me?

Your employer’s refusal does not excuse you from jury service. Failure to attend when summoned is a criminal offence in the UK, US (contempt of court), and Australia. Contact the court immediately if your employer refuses to release you — they can compel your attendance.

Can my employer ask me to use annual leave for jury duty?

In the UK, your employer cannot require you to use annual leave for jury service — time off for jury duty is separate from your annual leave entitlement. In the US, some employers require employees to use PTO for jury service where no state law prohibits this.

How long does jury duty last?

It varies widely. Most jury service in the UK is 10 days or less. US federal jury service can last 1–4 weeks. Australian jury service is typically 5–10 days. High-profile cases can run for months — but employers are generally expected to accommodate the duration.

Can I claim financial loss for jury duty?

In the UK, you can claim loss of earnings up to £67.17/day after the first 10 days of service. In the US, federal jurors receive $58/day after 10 days. In Australia, juror fees vary by state but typically start at around $100–$150/day. These amounts rarely cover full lost earnings.

Can I be excused from jury duty for work reasons?

In exceptional circumstances — if the business would suffer significant harm by your absence — you can apply to be excused or deferred. In the UK, the court decides. In the US, the judge decides. In Australia, the court may grant a deferral. Most standard “busy at work” reasons are not accepted.

Manage Jury Duty Leave Requests Simply

Leave Balance tracks jury service absences alongside other leave types and helps managers plan coverage — so your team stays compliant and operational even when employees are called to serve.

You can take advantage of the free 14 days trial and explore Leave Balance.