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What to do if…
you have a jury summons but cannot attend on the date provided

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Respond using the route on the summons or citation now, and ask to change the date or be excused if that is the wording used on your form. Do not ignore it or assume the clash cancels it.

Do not do these things

  • Do not ignore the letter because you cannot do that week; not responding or not attending can lead to a fine or further action.
  • Do not use a different UK nation’s process; follow the route on your own summons, citation, or jury notice.
  • Do not assume your employer, university, college, or a family member can sort it for you; you usually need to respond yourself.
  • Do not wait until the last minute to explain the problem.
  • Do not book new travel, cancel work, or rearrange care on the assumption you have been excused; wait for a decision.
  • Do not send original documents you cannot replace unless the summons or court specifically asks for originals.

What to do now

  1. Read the letter and write down the key details. Find your juror number, juror reference, personal ID, or panel number; the court or bureau that sent it; the start date and time; the deadline for replying; and the reply method.

  2. Use the exact reply route on the letter.

    • England and Wales: respond to the summons and ask to change the date if you cannot attend. You may be able to move jury service to another date within the next 12 months, and you can usually only ask to change the date once.
    • Scotland: respond to the jury citation using the citation instructions. If you need excusal, contact the court listed on the citation and include the details and documents requested.
    • Northern Ireland: follow the summons or jury notice instructions. If you cannot attend, apply for excusal or deferral and include supporting documents. If it is within seven days of the court date, the request usually needs to go to the court office named on the summons.

  3. Give a short, clear reason for the clash. Examples may include a booked holiday, an exam, an operation or medical appointment, being a new parent, being outside the area, primary caring responsibilities, or your employer saying your absence would seriously harm the business.

  4. Offer dates or periods you can attend, if the form allows it. Give several realistic options and avoid dates you already know are impossible.

  5. Attach or offer proof where you can. Useful proof may include a travel booking, exam timetable, appointment letter, college or university letter, employer letter, rota information, or caring-responsibility evidence. If you do not have the proof yet, say when you expect to have it.

  6. Ask explicitly if you need to be excused rather than moved to another date. In England and Wales, this is usually for exceptional circumstances where you cannot do jury service in the next 12 months. In Scotland or Northern Ireland, explain why you cannot attend and ask the court or service named on the letter what evidence they need.

  7. Keep a record of your reply. Save screenshots, emails, uploaded documents, postal proof, and notes of any phone call, including the date, time, number called, and the name or role of the person you spoke to.

  8. If the date is very close, or you have already missed it, contact the jury office, court, bureau, or customer service centre on the letter immediately. Say you have a summons or citation, give your reference number, explain the clash or missed date, and ask what they need from you now.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide every future work, childcare, travel, or study arrangement today.
  • You do not need to write a long explanation if a short reason and proof will show the problem clearly.
  • You do not need to plan expenses, transport, or time off until you know whether the date is changing.
  • You do not need to contact unofficial advice sites before using the official contact details on your own letter.

Important reassurance

Many people have a real clash with the first jury date they are given. The important thing is to respond promptly, use the official route on the letter, and keep proof that you tried to deal with it.

Scope note

These are first steps for dealing with the summons or citation and reducing the risk of penalties. Later decisions may need help from the court or jury office named on the letter, especially if you have access needs, serious illness, caring responsibilities, or a complicated work situation.

Important note

This is general information, not legal or professional advice. Jury service processes differ between England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, so follow the instructions and contact details on the summons, citation, or jury notice you received.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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