I've been summoned for jury service but have already booked to go on holiday at that time. What can I do?
You can ask to postpone your jury service if you have an important family event, such as a holiday that is already booked and paid for. A long standing hospital appointment, recovery from an operation or a family wedding may also be reasons to ask for a postponement. Postponing for these reasons is known as deferral of jury service.
Your holiday may prevent you from serving on a jury at the time that you are summoned but won't prevent you from serving at another date. If your service is deferred you will be asked to confirm any other dates in the year when you won't be able to attend, so that you are given a new date that is convenient. Jury service can only be deferred once.
You apply to have your jury service deferred by completing the section in the summons form called 'Deferral and Excusal'. When this has been accepted you will get a letter confirming the deferral and giving you a new date for your jury service. You cannot defer twice and must attend on this second occasion.
You can find out more about Jury service at http://www.juror.cjsonline.org.
From:
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_rights/legal_system/frequently_asked_questions_about_legal_matters.htm#cantgoonjuryserviceduetoholiday