Everyone
Jury service leave
Employees, summoned for jury service, are entitled to leave from their workplace to fulfil their jury duty. The Ministry of Justice administers jury service.
How jury service works
If an employee is called up for jury service, they are required by law to attend, and their job is protected while they do so. Their employer must allow them to attend jury service.
However, if the employee’s absence from work causes difficulty because of special commitments or responsibilities they may have, they can apply to be excused or to have their service deferred, for which their employer can provide them with a letter of support.
An employee cannot be dismissed or have their position threatened for attending jury service. If they are, they can bring a personal grievance against their employer, who could receive a fine of up to $10,000.
It is illegal for an employer to require their employees to use their Paid time away from work for rest and recreation.
Getting paid during jury service
Those who attend jury service receive a small attendance fee from the Ministry of Justice.
Employers do not have to pay their employees while they are on jury service, but many choose to ‘top up’ the money they get from the Ministry of Justice so that their employees receive their normal pay.
Employees should check their A written document setting out the terms and conditions of employment agreed by the employer and employee (also known as a ‘contract of service’). It can include other contractual documents and agreements made by the employer and employee. Every employee must have a written employment agreement.
Employers are encouraged to include a clause relating to jury service in employment agreements.
Employment Agreement Builder - Business.govt.nz(external link)