Unfortunately some of those replying are not in WA and as the law varies from state to state their advise and experiences may not be in line with WA laws.
Mate, as mentioned on a previous occasion it was easy getting out of jury duty because I was self employed but the laws changed. Quite sure I defered then got another summons for jury duty and could not get out of it.
FYI Self Employed
Jury duty is an important legal responsibility and every step you take to reducing the impact on your business is a positive one. Many small businesses need to consider their succession plans and how work can carry on whilst on jury duty.
A self-employed person may submit a claim for lost income if they can demonstrate they have suffered a loss as a result of doing jury duty and not able to postpone or defer the work. This would be detailed in the statutory declaration on the claim form. The explanation of a loss must be accompanied by any documentary evidence available.
Demonstrating a loss must include very detailed reasons why you have experienced loss. Any work postponed or deferred is not considered a loss so evidence must include how an actual loss is sustained. All jurors have the ability to defer jury duty and this should be employed as an important tool to managing the best time to do jury duty.
Do not focus on your capacity to earn an income as your only reason for making a claim as this may not be successful. Examples where a claim is substantiated is a person who needs to shut the doors of their business to attend jury duty or required to employ a backup person for the duration.
Reimbursement is only considered for the actual time you attend for jury duty if a loss is substantiated. There is no reimbursement for a loss associated with cancellation of future work.
mce-anchor Business Operators
Reimbursement does not apply to a business loss. Reimbursement can only be made to a person who attended jury duty so evidence of a business income or loss is not relevant. You must provide evidence of your personal income excluding the impact of the business.
If you allocate yourself an income or draw a wage from the business then this can be used to support your claim and loss.
