Employees in BC have the right to unpaid, job-protected time off for jury duty. Your employer must allow you to attend jury selection and serve as a juror. They can’t fire you for fulfilling your jury duty obligations.
💡 Important: Your employer doesn’t have to pay your wages during jury duty. However, BC provides daily fees to people selected to serve as jurors, and your job is protected while you’re away.
On This Page
- Can You Take Time Off?
- Do You Get Paid?
- How Long Can You Be Away?
- Can Your Employer Refuse?
- What Should You Tell Your Employer?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Take Time Off Work for Jury Duty in BC?
Yes. Under BC’s Employment Standards Act, employees must be allowed time off to attend jury selection and serve as jurors.
Your employer can’t require you to use vacation days or refuse the leave because the workplace is busy.
The protection applies to qualifying employees covered by BC employment standards. Different rules may apply to federally regulated workplaces.
Do You Get Paid for Jury Duty in BC?
Your employer isn’t required to pay your regular wages during jury duty. Some workplaces provide paid leave through an employment contract, policy or collective agreement.
If you’re selected to serve as a juror, BC pays the following daily fees:
- Days 1–10: $20 per day
- Days 11–49: $60 per day
- Day 50 onward: $100 per day
These fees are paid by the province, not your employer. Eligible expenses may also be reimbursed. Attending jury selection without being selected doesn’t qualify you for these daily fees.
See the BC government’s jury duty compensation rules.
How Long Can You Take Off for Jury Duty?
There is no fixed maximum number of jury duty leave days under BC employment law. You can take the time required to fulfill your jury obligations.
Some trials last a few days, while others can continue for several weeks or longer.
Your employment is treated as continuous during jury duty for vacation entitlement, statutory termination entitlements and qualifying benefit plans.
Can Your Employer Refuse Jury Duty Leave or Fire You?
No. Your employer can’t legally refuse required jury duty leave or fire you because you serve as a juror.
When your jury duty ends, your employer must return you to your previous position or a comparable one. They also can’t change your employment conditions because of jury duty without your written consent.
Your employer must continue required benefit-plan contributions, subject to the applicable rules for employee contributions.
⚠️ Fired, disciplined or pressured to resign because of jury duty? Keep your jury summons and your employer’s messages. Get advice before resigning or signing a severance agreement. A full BC severance package can be as much as 24 months’ pay.
What Should You Tell Your Employer About Jury Duty?
If you receive a jury summons:
- Notify your employer. Share the date you’re required to attend court.
- Provide your summons. Keep a copy and ask the sheriff for confirmation of your jury duty obligations if needed.
- Update your employer. If you’re selected for a trial, explain how long you expect to be away.
You must respond to a jury summons even if you believe you should be excused. Your employer can’t decide whether you’re exempt from jury service.
Jury Duty BC: Frequently Asked Questions
Can Your Employer Make You Use Vacation Days for Jury Duty?
No. Required jury duty is a separate, protected absence. Your employer can’t make you use your statutory vacation entitlement instead of providing the required leave.
Do You Get Paid for Jury Selection in BC?
BC doesn’t pay a juror’s daily fee to someone who attends jury selection but isn’t selected. Your employer isn’t required to pay your wages for that absence, although workplace policies may provide paid time off.
Can You Be Excused From Jury Duty Because of Work?
You can request an exemption or deferral if you have a valid reason, including qualifying hardship. However, only the appropriate court authorities can decide whether to excuse you. You must respond to the summons.
What if Your Employer Refuses to Let You Attend?
Explain that jury duty is protected under BC employment standards and provide your summons. If your employer continues to refuse or threatens your job, keep written records and get advice.
Is Jury Duty Leave Different From Other Leaves in BC?
Yes. Jury duty is protected time off for a legal obligation. Sick leave, family responsibility leave and other absences have separate requirements. See our BC leave of absence guide.
Fired or Disciplined Because of Jury Duty?
The BC employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP help non-unionized employees facing workplace discipline, denied protected leave and wrongful dismissal.
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➡️ Get a Consultation or call 1-855-821-5900.