Deferral of jury service request letter template
Our Deferral of Jury Service Request Letter Template eases the burden of jury service, enabling employees to manage work commitments effectively.
Use this model letter to write to the court in support of an employee's application for the deferral of jury service where the reasons for the application are work related.
- 2 pages / 420 words.
- Last updated 14/10/2025.
- Designed for United Kingdom use.
- Suitable for use in other territories; check local laws first.
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text, or send by email.
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Deferral of jury service request letter
[Sender name]
[Sender address]
[date]
[Recipient name]
[Recipient address]
Dear [Recipient first name],
Request for deferral of Jury Service
As [name of employee's employer, we are writing in support of their application to [have their jury service deferred to a later date] OR [be excused from jury service].
We have seen a copy of their Jury Summons and we note that their jury service is scheduled to start on [date] and is likely to last for up to [number - usually two] weeks.
At this time, [name]'s current work commitments are such that their absence from the workplace would cause undue hardship and potentially substantial harm to the business. In particular (specify reason from list below, providing further detail as necessary):
- [Name] works in a small team of only [number] staff and, at this time, another member of that team will be absent on [annual leave/maternity
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The purpose of the Deferral of Jury Service Request Letter Template is to allow an employee to formally request a deferral of their jury service to a later date.
Jury service is a civic duty, but it can create challenges for individuals who have work commitments that cannot be easily rescheduled. The template provides a formal and professional way for employees to request a postponement of their jury duty, allowing them to manage their work responsibilities and personal commitments more effectively.
It is usually delivered to the Company / HR by the Company / HR.
It should be actioned as soon as it is understood that attendance will not be possible.
Compliance
Compliance
This Deferral of jury service request letter template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:
Employees who have been summoned for jury service can apply to be excused or to have the service deferred in certain circumstances.
A Company cannot apply for deferral on the employee's behalf, but it can write a letter supporting the employee's application, for example if their absence would cause difficulty to the organisation.
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Employment Rights Act 1996: Employees have the right to request time off for certain public duties, including jury service.
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Jury Act 1974: This legislation governs the rules and procedures for jury service in the UK.
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Equality Act 2010: Employers must ensure that they do not discriminate against employees based on their jury service obligations.
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Working Time Regulations 1998: Employees' working hours and rest breaks may need to be adjusted to accommodate jury service.
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The Civil Procedure Rules: This sets out the legal procedures for requesting deferral or exemption from jury service.
Timings
Timings
Follow these best practice actions to get the most from the Deferral of jury service request letter template, guiding you before, during, and after implementation:
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| Step | Description | Responsibility | Timing |
| 1 | Jury Service Notification: The employee notifies the employer of their selection for jury service and provides relevant details. | Employee | N/A |
| 2 | Review Company Policies: Review company policies related to jury service and deferral options. | HR / Management Team | Day 1 |
| 3 | Employee Meeting: Schedule a meeting with the employee to discuss their situation and determine the need for deferral. | HR / Management Team | Day 3 |
| 4 | Prepare Deferral Request Letter: Create a comprehensive Deferral of Jury Service Request Letter, including the reason for the deferral and requested new dates. | HR / Management Team | Day 5 |
| 5 | Issue the Request Letter: After confirming the deferral request details, issue the Deferral of Jury Service Request Letter to the appropriate authorities, requesting approval for the deferral. | HR / Management Team | Day 7 (Or as deemed appropriate) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Deferral of jury service request letter template is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
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Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. All of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
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Can I customise it for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.
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Do I get instant access?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
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What if I need more help, not just this template?
If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include this template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.
