Jury service

Coriolanus

Friend of a friend was called up for jury duty, and she tells me that her employer has to pay her at full rate for however long it takes, and that the days spent on jury duty count towards her days worked, for entitlements, holidays etc.
Had a quick look around on the citizens information site and it seems to be the legal position alright.

Is that not a bit mad though? I mean, that could sink a small company if the case dragged on for weeks and weeks, surely?

Or do the companys get to claw back the money from the State?

tHE vAGGABOND

Is that not a bit mad though? I mean, that could sink a small company if the case dragged on for weeks and weeks, surely?

Its your duty, and its the companies duty to cover your job. A trial in front of your peers is one of our most basic rights. if everyone in the country had easy ways of getting out of it, no one would do jury duty.

You can skip it, dont go, and pay a fine of between €500/€1000 if you prefer..

I know for the Lillis case, when the jury was picked they excused the self employed [or anyone who could make a good case of not being able to miss months of work] right away.

jimoc

She should talk to her employer, explain the situation and if the employer says he can't afford to pay her then she should state that when she gets called.
I don't know if it will have any effect, but if its a small company that would be under threat due to this, they may waive her need to serve.

Also, if you are called for a long time then I believe you can be exempt for life from future calls. This also applies if the case is particular emotional on you.

Coriolanus

Nah, she works for a big enough company, there wasn't an issue about her being able to do it, or the companys ability to keep paying.

It just strikes me as a bit odd. It's a service to the state, I don't see why a private company should have to foot the bill. Especially since it could put them at a competitive disadvantage.