Jury Service – UK Eligibility, Pay and Exemptions 2025
Jury Service UK: Complete Guide 2025 | Eligibility, Pay, Exemptions & FAQ
Receiving a jury summons through the post can feel daunting, but the process is straightforward once you know the rules. This guide explains the system in England and Wales, covering eligibility, pay, deferrals, and excusals under official 2025 guidance.
Jury service is a civic duty governed by the Juries Act 1974 and the Criminal Justice Act 2003. Anyone aged 18 to 75 who is registered to vote and has lived in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man for at least five years since turning 13 can be called upon. The Ministry of Justice and HM Courts & Tribunals Service oversee the system, with recent updates including digital summons pilots and increased financial allowances.
If you receive a summons, you must respond within seven days, either online or by post. The court then decides whether you must attend, can defer, or may be excused.
How does jury service work in the UK?
- Jury service is a civic duty with limited grounds for automatic exemption.
- Deferral is easier to obtain than full excusal, and many courts grant it once.
- Financial compensation covers loss of earnings up to a cap, plus travel and food expenses.
- Non-attendance without a valid reason can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
- Individuals with certain criminal records (e.g., life sentences, recent imprisonment) are disqualified.
- New rules in 2025 include increased allowances and digital summons options in some areas.
| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 | Criminal Justice Act 2003 |
| Maximum age | 75 (England & Wales) | Ministry of Justice |
| Summons notice period | At least 14 days before start | gov.uk |
| Loss of earnings cap (per day) | £64.95 (over 4 hrs) / £32.47 (under 4 hrs) | MoneyHelper |
| Travel expenses | Reimbursed (public transport rates) | gov.uk |
| Penalty for non-attendance | Fine up to £1,000 | Criminal Justice Act 2003 |
| Deferral limit | Usually once, up to 12 months | HM Courts & Tribunals Service |
Who is exempt from jury service UK and can you refuse?
Eligibility and disqualification
You are eligible if you are aged 18 to 75, registered to vote, and have lived in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man for at least five years since age 13. The UK Government: Jury Service page is the primary official source for England and Wales.
Disqualification applies if you are currently on bail, sentenced to life imprisonment or to prison for five years or more, or subject to certain recent custody sentences. Some community-based criminal penalties that are not yet spent also disqualify you. Being liable to be detained under the Mental Health Act or lacking mental capacity can also bar you from serving.
The exact disqualification rules are more detailed than the headline list. Always check the summons paperwork and official GOV.UK guidance for your own status. The Unlock: Jury Service with a Criminal Record page provides specialist advice for people with convictions.
Deferral and excusal
A deferral postpones your service to a later date. You can normally ask for a deferral once and pick a new date within the next 12 months. Valid reasons include a planned operation, exam, holiday, work commitment, or family issue. Some sources suggest offering three alternative dates when you request a deferral.
An excusal means you do not have to serve that period. Reasons the court may accept include serious illness, major surgery, being a full-time carer, or being a new parent. There is no universal automatic excusal list; the court decides case by case based on the reason and supporting evidence.
How much do you get paid for jury service?
Jurors are not paid a salary, but they can claim allowances and expenses so they are not out of pocket. The MoneyHelper: Jury Service Pay and Expenses guide explains that you can claim for travel, food and drink, and loss of earnings, subject to limits.
For 2025, the loss of earnings allowance is £64.95 per day if your service lasts more than four hours, and £32.47 if it lasts four hours or less. Travel expenses are reimbursed at public transport rates, and you can claim for food and drink up to a set amount.
Keep receipts for travel and food. You can submit your claim at the court or online after service. The court will provide a claim form. If you are self-employed, you may need to provide evidence of lost earnings.
What happens if you do not attend jury service?
Ignoring a jury summons without a valid reason can lead to a fine of up to £1,000 under the Criminal Justice Act 2003. The court may also send a warrant for your arrest. If you have a genuine reason, you must respond to the summons and explain your situation.
How often can you be called for jury service? In England and Wales, there is no fixed limit, but you can ask to be excused if you have already served recently. The court has discretion to decide whether to summon you again.
Where can you find official jury service information and contacts?
The official UK Government: Jury Service page is the primary source for rules, eligibility, and the response process. For Scotland, refer to the Citizens Advice: Jury Service in Scotland page, which has different age rules and procedures. Northern Ireland follows its own system via NI Direct.
The Legislation: Juries Act 1974 provides the legal framework. HM Courts & Tribunals Service also publishes guidance on the Inside HMCTS blog.
Timeline from summons to service
- Receiving summons by post (or digital in pilot areas)
- Returning the summon response form (within 7 days)
- Deferral request (if needed)
- Selection day at court (attendance, ballot)
- Swearing in
- Trial proceedings (usually 5–10 days)
- Verdict delivery
- Post-service certificate and expenses claim
What is certain and what remains unclear about jury service?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Jury service is mandatory if you are eligible and not exempt. | Whether a specific personal situation qualifies as a ‘reasonable excuse’ is decided by the court. |
| You cannot be excused simply because you do not want to serve. | Deferral approval depends on court capacity and timing. |
| Loss of earnings allowance is capped at £64.95 per day (2025 rates). | Medical exemptions require a doctor’s note; the court has final discretion. |
| A criminal record with a custodial sentence over 5 years results in lifetime disqualification. | Employer obligations – not all are required to pay your normal salary; check contract. |
What is the broader context of jury service in the UK?
Jury service is a cornerstone of the UK justice system, governed by the Juries Act 1974 (as amended). Recent reforms include digital summoning trials and increased financial allowances to support participation. Understanding the rules helps citizens comply and avoid penalties.
The lack of a universal ‘opt-out’ means many citizens seek deferral or claim hardship. Disqualification rules aim to ensure impartial juries, but some argue they exclude too many. Financial compensation, while improved, still may not fully cover lost wages for self-employed or low-income workers. For readers managing practical life admin, our Shoe Insoles – Complete UK Guide offers comparable step-by-step advice.
What sources provide official jury service guidance?
“The official GOV.UK jury service page says jurors can claim for travel, food and drink, and loss of earnings, subject to limits and rules.”
— GOV.UK Jury Service
“The HMCTS 2025 blog repeats the same age, residence, and electoral register rules.”
— Inside HMCTS Blog
“There is no universal automatic excusal list for every situation; the court decides case by case based on the reason and supporting evidence.”
— Manchester City Council
What should you do next after reading this guide?
If you receive a summons, check your eligibility using the official GOV.UK eligibility checker, respond within seven days, and consider deferral if needed. Keep records of attendance and expenses. For a deeper look at practical UK guides, you might also read our Picture Rail – Complete UK Buying and Installation Guide.
Frequently asked questions about jury service
How to get picked for jury duty UK?
You are randomly selected from the electoral register. If you meet the age, residence, and registration criteria, you may be summoned. There is no application process.
Www gov UK jury service – is that the official site?
Yes, gov.uk/jury-service is the official government page for jury service in England and Wales.
Crown court jury service – what is different?
Jury service in Crown Court involves more serious criminal cases. Magistrates’ courts rarely use juries. The process and allowances are the same.
Can you refuse jury service UK if you have no valid reason?
No. Refusal without a valid reason can lead to a fine of up to £1,000. You must apply for deferral or excusal if you cannot attend.
Jury service contact – where do I call for my region?
Contact details are on your summons. For England and Wales, the Jury Central Summoning Bureau is the main point of contact. Check the summons for the specific number.
How often can you be called for jury service?
There is no fixed limit. However, you can ask to be excused if you have served recently. The court decides on a case-by-case basis.
Can you serve on a jury if you are not a UK citizen?
You must be a UK resident and registered to vote. Non-UK citizens who meet the residence and registration requirements can serve.
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