Jury Service Allowance (UK)
Updated November 2026 · Free · No sign-up
Calculate UK jury service money — employers need NOT pay you during service; the court pays capped loss-of-earnings allowances (~£64.95/day first 10 days half-day basis, rising after) plus travel and subsistence — verify current caps at gov.uk.
Quick answer: UK employers must release you for jury service but don’t have to pay you. The court reimburses: loss of earnings up to ~£64.95/day (first 10 days), roughly doubling for longer trials — plus travel (mileage/fares) and ~£5.71/day subsistence. High earners eat the gap; the certificate of loss of earnings makes the claim.
The Money Rules (England and Wales)
| Item | Cap (verify current at gov.uk) |
|---|---|
| Loss of earnings/childcare, days 1-10 | ~£32.47 half day / £64.95 full day |
| Days 11-200 | ~£64.95 half / £129.91 full |
| Beyond 200 days | Higher long-trial rates |
| Travel | Public transport fares / mileage rates |
| Subsistence | ~£5.71/day (more past 10 hours) |
Scotland runs its own (similar) scales. The claim needs the certificate of loss of earnings (your employer completes it) or self-employed evidence (accounts, SA302s) — submit within 14 days of service ending.
Worked Example
£120/day net earner, 10 days, unpaid by employer: court pays 10 × 64.95 = £649.50 against £1,200 lost — a £550 personal cost. Many employers’ handbooks top up to full pay (deducting the court allowance) — check BEFORE service and ask; it’s the norm in larger firms.
Employment Protections
Dismissal or detriment for jury service is automatically unfair (no service requirement); employers can ask you to request deferral in business-critical periods (one deferral right exists within 12 months) but can’t block service. Benefits continue; pension contributions depend on whether pay continues.
Self-Employed and Edge Cases
The same caps apply to lost profit — poorly compensating contractors on big day rates (deferral is the practical tool, plus claiming the cap). Universal Credit/benefits recipients: allowances can interact with claims — declare them. Long trials: the post-day-10 doubling helps, and hardship can be grounds for excusal at summons stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my employer have to pay me during jury service?
No — release is mandatory, pay is not; the court’s capped loss-of-earnings allowance is the fallback (many employers top up voluntarily — check the handbook).
How much does the court pay?
Loss of earnings up to ~£64.95/day for the first 10 days, ~£129.91 after, plus travel and ~£5.71/day subsistence — caps revise; verify at gov.uk.
How do I claim?
Submit the certificate of loss of earnings (employer-completed) or self-employed evidence with your claim form within 14 days of service ending.
Can I be sacked for jury service?
No — dismissal or detriment for jury service is automatically unfair from day one of employment.
Can I postpone jury service?
Once as of right within 12 months for good reason (work crunch, holidays, exams) — the summons reply handles it; excusal needs stronger grounds.
✓ Formula verified • Last updated: November 3, 2026