can someone talk to me about jury service on maternity leave?

[oranges]

I've just ben summoned for jury duty when my baby is 8 months old. I don't mind doing it - I'm interested and think its important to take part. BUT, do I have to tell my employer, and are there any legal implications? I know they would like me to return to work early and may be a bit that I can do jury service but not go back to work. On the other hand, if I defer, they run the risk of having to give me time off when I am back at work.

As long as they're not paying you and you're not working for anyone else, it's none of your employer's business what you do during your maternity leave.

You get to decide when you go back, and the fact that you feel able to do jury service, or anything else for that matter, doesn't mean you have to change your plans in any way.

Jury service is a public duty and requirement. Phone up 0845 803 8003 or 020 7202 6800 and explain the situation to them.

As flowery says it is absolutely none of your employer's business and you are under no obligation to tell them that you are doing Jury Service (unless of course it effects your ability to return to work at the time which you agreed).

It is becoming increasingly difficult to defer jury service so if you feel able to do it I'd get it over and done with.

thank you. thats good to know. i think defering and risking getting called up when a t work will be far more chaotic.