Jury Service Employer Notification Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to formally notify employer of jury service summons and expected absence, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong jury service employer notification should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• Attach or reference the jury service summons
• State the expected start date and likely duration
• Note the legal right to attend jury service and that the employer cannot lawfully refuse or penalise the employee for attending
• Request written confirmation that the absence is approved

Your rights around jury service and your employer

Your employer must allow you time off for jury service. As an employee you have the right not to be treated badly because you were summoned or attended, and sacking you for it is automatically unfair unless your employer can show your absence would cause the business substantial harm, told you so, and you unreasonably refused or failed to ask for your service to be deferred or excused. However, your employer isn't legally required to pay your normal salary during this time, though many do, so it's worth clarifying your specific employer's policy alongside notifying them.

What to include before you send it

• Confirmation of your jury summons and the expected dates of service
• A request for confirmation of your employer's pay policy during jury service
• If you will not be paid in full, a request that your employer fills in the certificate of loss of earnings that comes with your jury service letter
• Confirmation of how you'll keep your employer updated if service extends beyond the initial period

Claiming for loss of earnings if unpaid

If your employer doesn't pay you during jury service, you can claim a loss of earnings allowance from the court, though this is capped and may not fully cover your normal salary — it's worth understanding this gap in advance so it doesn't come as a surprise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my employer refuse to let me attend jury service?
No. Your employer must allow you time off. If your absence would seriously harm the business, your employer can ask you to try to delay your jury service, with a letter explaining why. Sacking you because of jury service is automatically unfair unless that harm exception applies and you unreasonably refused to ask for a delay.

What if jury service runs longer than expected?
Tell your employer as soon as you know your jury service will run longer, and keep any letters from the court about it.

[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Your Department]
[Line Manager or HR Manager Name]
[Company or Organisation Name]
[Company Address]
[Company Postcode]
[Date]

Dear [Manager or HR Name],

Subject: Jury service

I am writing to tell you that I have been summoned for jury service. My service starts on [Date] and is expected to last about [Number, e.g. 10] working days. A copy of my summons is attached.

I will be absent from work from [Start Date] until my service ends. You must allow me time off for jury service, and I must not be treated badly for attending.

To plan for my absence, please let me know:
• Who I should hand my work over to, e.g. [Name of colleague]
• Whether you will pay my normal salary, or whether I need to claim loss of earnings from the court
• If you will not pay me, please complete the employer section of the court's loss of earnings form

Please confirm in writing that my absence is approved.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]