Nanny been called for jury service

[CinnabarRed]

Our nanny has been called for jury service in July. She has previously deferred once (before she started with us).

Our children are 3.5 years and 12 months old.

The second week of her jury service is fine with us, because we're going on holiday.

However, the first week is causing real problems. Both DP and I have to work that week as we've got absolutely-can't-be-broken-under-any-circumstances commitments.

We're looking at temporary childcare, but DS2 is a sensitive little soul who's still suffering badly from separation anxiety. (DS1 is confident and tough as old boots, so I'm sure he'd cope with any change no problem.)

Given how important our nanny is to DS2, do we have any grounds to refuse to release her for jury service for the first week?

Don't think you can.

She should contact them and ask for excusal (at least for the first week)on the basis that it would cause unecessary harship to her employer

It should be considered sympathetcially - see Clause 11 in the Guidance here - but there is no guarantee.

That's very helpful prettybird. It sounds as though deferral is also a possibiltiy - although TBH if we'd just end up in the same boat 6 months down the line then I think I'd rather just get it over and done with.