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View full libraryA deferral of jury service request letter for employees who need to ask the court to postpone their jury service because their absence would create significant difficulties for the organisation, helping provide a clear explanation of the business impact and the dates or arrangements requested.
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[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):
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This letter provides a structured way for an employer to ask for an employee's jury service to be deferred where the employee's absence would create significant difficulties for the organisation. It helps present the relevant circumstances clearly so that the court can consider the request.
The letter can explain the employee's position, responsibilities and any particular knowledge, skills or operational duties that make their absence especially difficult to manage. The focus should be on the practical circumstances rather than simply stating that the employee is important to the organisation.
The request can describe the specific difficulties that the employee's absence would create, such as significant operational disruption, an important project or deadline, limited cover or particular business commitments. Providing relevant factual information can help the court understand why the requested deferral is being sought.
The letter can clearly state that the organisation is asking for the jury service to be deferred rather than cancelled. Where possible, the employer can suggest alternative dates when the employee's absence would be less disruptive, although the final decision rests with the court.
The employer should provide enough information to explain the circumstances without including unnecessary confidential business or personal information. Any supporting documents should be relevant to the request and provided where appropriate to help the court consider the application.
Use these best practice actions, recommended timescales and process stages to understand when and how the Deferral of jury service request letter should be used, helping ensure each step is handled consistently and appropriately documented.
Understand the common mistakes to avoid when using this HR template, helping you reduce risk, prevent unnecessary costs and ensure the process is handled correctly.
Yes. An employer can request that jury service is deferred where the employee's absence would cause significant difficulties, but the decision rests with the relevant court. The request should explain the specific circumstances and follow the required process.
The request should focus on genuine and significant difficulties that the employee's absence would create, such as particular operational pressures, important commitments, limited cover or the employee's specialist role. Simply stating that the employee is important to the business is unlikely to provide sufficient context.
No. The employer can suggest alternative dates when the employee's absence would be less disruptive, but the court decides whether the service will be deferred and what alternative arrangements apply.
If the request is refused, the employee will normally be expected to undertake the jury service as required. The employer should then make appropriate arrangements to manage the employee's absence and should not simply instruct them to ignore the summons.
The employee should follow the instructions provided by the court and should not assume that making a request automatically removes their obligation to attend. The employer and employee should check the status of the request and follow the relevant court guidance.
AI can generate a generic letter, but HRDocBox provides structured, UK-focused HR documentation designed around practical employer processes. This letter helps employers explain the business circumstances clearly, make a properly structured request and keep an appropriate written record of the arrangements.
The manager could use it without needing a long explanation first. The finished letter looked professional without sounding overly corporate. It fitted the way we work.
How this content is developed and reviewed
The Deferral of jury service request letter template is developed using a practical HR methodology that considers current UK employment legislation, ACAS guidance, CIPD good practice and the real-world HR process it supports. Templates and supporting information are regularly reviewed and updated, with additional reviews triggered by significant changes to legislation, guidance or established HR practice, helping ensure each document remains practical, relevant and suitable for UK employers.
Darryl Horn, Chartered HR Director
Darryl is a Chartered HR professional with over 25 years' experience in senior HR and employee relations roles.
He has extensive practical experience of managing absence and attendance HR processes and founded hrdocbox to provide businesses with practical, professionally developed HR resources grounded in UK employment law and best practice.
HRDocBox has been creating practical UK HR documents since 2009.
"Darryl provides support and advice with excellent judgement, and has a strong understanding of people, policies and UK employment legislation."
"He is someone I trust; consistent, dependable, and committed to doing things properly."
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