Missing work due to jury duty

Last updated on May 5, 2022

Under the Employment Standards Act, employers must give employees unpaid leave (or time off) to participate in the jury selection process and serve as a juror. Please speak to the sheriff if you need a letter that outlines your jury duty obligations to your employer.

An employer cannot terminate an employee for participating in jury duty. The employee must be permitted to return from their jury responsibilities to either their original position or a comparable one. While serving as a juror, employees must also continue to receive standard calculations for vacation, salary increases, pension, medical and other benefit plan entitlements.

An employer must have an employee’s written consent for changes to any conditions of employment.

Anyone on Employment Insurance will continue to receive benefits while on jury duty.

Respond to a summons for jury duty

You must respond to a jury summons - even if you feel you are not qualified or need an exemption. You can respond by mail or online.  Find out how.