Jury service!

[hahaboink]

I’ve just been told I have to do jury service in March and I can’t postpone because I already postponed last year.
They tell me that I have to send the kids to school as a key worker but my school will not take the kids as my husband isn’t a key worker and they don’t have room for any more kids. And my husband works outside the home (alone but not able to do it at home) Plus to be honest I have copd and asthma and not entirely sure I want my kids at school right now. Also I would have to go on the tube for 30 minutes and then sit in a court room all day where no one is wearing masks. Surely they can’t make me do this. Anyone had any experience in this? I’ve emailed but they told me because I’d postponed once I couldn’t do it again.

organisedmother remembering now I do think unfortunately if people could not do the long case they did still have to do the standard two weeks which probably doesn't help you. Sorry about that.

My mum is due to do it soon. She looks after my sister's pre school kids a few days a week. I did feel when she told me about it and how you have to be available 5 days a week it was unfair on people (mainly women) who have caring responsibilities.

@IfIHadAHeart oh yes its crown court

@Ilovemaisie oh I see, if it wasn’t for this pandemic it wouldn’t be an issue as I would have childcare 😅

organisedmother you would think with covid they would be more flexible about these things. Good luck in how it goes for you.

@Crakeandoryx

Only 2 ways out of jury service. GP or employer. That's it I'm afraid. I'm in the same position as you op and it's come at a dreadful time, is incredibly inconvenient and I really want out but I'm going to have to attend.

You need to start making some plans. I understand schools have to take children of key workers if they can't be at home.
If they refuse, get a letter saying so and speak to your Jury Officer about it.

You can't get out of it easily!

DH is partially deaf and was called up. He contacted the court to find out what he needed to do as he wouldn't hear half the proceedings (and some numbers sound the same to him) and they took his word for it and he's been permanently excused.