Jury service while benched

**northernladuk** · 20 April 2017, 13:22

You are still working for your LTD. You just have no income as you have no sales at the moment.

You not got IPSE+ membership?? Tut tut.

**Jog On** · 20 April 2017, 13:24

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

You are still working for your LTD. You just have no income as you have no sales at the moment.

You not got IPSE+ membership?? Tut tut.

Got the standard one but would they pay out if I'm benched?

**northernladuk** · 20 April 2017, 13:35

Originally posted by Jog On View Post

Got the standard one but would they pay out if I'm benched?

Ah... It appears not. From their site it says

In order to arrive at the daily amount payable, the Member will provide details of the length and value of the current engagement from which it will be possible to calculate a daily rate.

You've been lucky so it's still a no brainer IMO.

Could have bunged the agent something to extend you for a month which you both know you couldn't work because of Jury service

**TheFaQQer** · 20 April 2017, 14:11

Originally posted by Jog On View Post

Got the standard one but would they pay out if I'm benched?

Jury duty isn't a standard membership benefit, you have to be a plus member.

**TheFaQQer** · 20 April 2017, 14:12

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

Could have bunged the agent something to extend you for a month which you both know you couldn't work because of Jury service

Makes no difference on the standard membership level anyway

**northernladyuk** · 20 April 2017, 15:38

Originally posted by Jog On View Post

Current gig ends tomorrow (Friday) and jury service starts on Monday. Can I still claim the 30-60/day from the court if benched? I won't be able to interview or give a start date to any new potential gigs during this time...

I'm thinking along the lines of an average day rate based on last years's accounts as being what I'm missing out on by being unavailable to land any new business for my LTD.

Asked my accountant but waiting for reply so thought I'd ask here as well

Do you want me to sub you some work for the duration of the trial?

**RSoles** · 20 April 2017, 18:05

I assume you are still being paid salary by your Ltd. So, no, you can't claim.
You can claim mileage though.

Still a no-brainer as that's you exempt for (what is it 5?) years from now.

**Jog On** · 26 April 2017, 13:53

Originally posted by northernladyuk View Post

Do you want me to sub you some work for the duration of the trial?

That's very kind of you - thank you. Turns out it only lasted 2 days, trial finished and was told to go home and that's it.

Originally posted by RSoles View Post

I assume you are still being paid salary by your Ltd. So, no, you can't claim.
You can claim mileage though.

Still a no-brainer as that's you exempt for (what is it 5?) years from now.

I can claim because I'm unavailable to find new work or interview and unable to give a start date. They have a separate form for business owners who pay themselves salary and dividends. My accountant averaged my daily income (gross inc VAT) over last year's accounts and produced a day rate from that. I was benched for about 6 weeks during that year. The court have asked for an accountant letter (on headed paper) stating the daily rate. Travel and lunch are claimable expenses up to an amount and certain types - about £5 for lunch and public transport only - no car parking.

That's it for 2 years now - any time after that I'll have to do it if called again. 2 of the jurors on my panel were doing it for the 2nd time...

**pr1** · 26 April 2017, 14:02

Originally posted by Jog On View Post

I can claim because I'm unavailable to find new work or interview and unable to give a start date. They have a separate form for business owners who pay themselves salary and dividends. My accountant averaged my daily income (gross inc VAT) over last year's accounts and produced a day rate from that. I was benched for about 6 weeks during that year. The court have asked for an accountant letter (on headed paper) stating the daily rate.

don't get your hopes up, it's capped at about £70/day

edit: £64.95 https://www.gov.uk/jury-service/what-you-can-claim

Jury service while benched