jury service and childcare

[midnightexpress]

Wasn't sure where to post this, so have put it in employment issues too.

I've just been sent a letter to let me know that I'm on a list of potential jurors for the next 2 YEARS, and that the Sheriff Court (we're in Scotland) will give me 3 weeks' notice if I'm required during that period. I've got two children under 3, the oldest of whom is at nursery 3 mornings a week. I've just given up work and am planning to set up as a freelance in the new year.

Does anyone know if I have a reasonable excuse (I'd quite like to do it actually, but don't know what I could do with the boys, or how long I'd need the childcare for etc) - I'm not on the immediately exempt categories, but they send you another list if you're actually called up, apparently.

Also, does anyone know how it works with expenses/loss of earnings if I'm freelance?

I phoned and spoke to the court clerks and told them I couldn't attend due to no childcare afterschool. I was advised to write and explain. So I did and it was OK.

I just wasn't prepared to have some stranger (no after school club) picking my kids up from school at short notice.

I think you'll be OK explaining the situation. I got away first time, second time I decided to do it as i was pg with no. 3 and I thought it would be really tough to find extra childcare for 3. So i had my mum over to look after them. If you were to put your older one in nusery full time for the duration of the jury service you would get reimbursed for the extra cost. Depends then if the nursery can accommodate that and still doesn't solve the problem for the younger one. Write and get deferred.

That was a sheriff court too.

Check your summons, there is something about 3 questions on it with regards to discretionary excusal.

I forgot to say that you never know how long a case will last. We got at indication it would be 3 weeks but it turned out to be 6 weeks long. If i hadn't had my mum over (I got her plane ticket reimbursed - far cheaper anyway than childcare for 2 for 6 weeks) i wouldn't have been able to employ someone for an indeterminate period of time.

Hi there,got called for jury service when dd 3months.Also had 3 year old.Sent an exemption letter and they were fine about it.HTH.

Thanks all for the information - sounds like I should be able to get excused. Haven't had time to study the details yet but will give them a call adn see if I can get taken off the list for the time being.

Thanks again for your help.