Can you ignore a county court witness summons?

[SmoothCriminal]

Don't really want to go into the specifics of the case until it's been judged on but I've received a summons to appear at the county court as a witness for a previous employer.

Reason why I don't want to appear is I'll lose a days pay or have to take it as a holiday and don't see why I should have to appear now I'm no longer employed by them when it will inconvenience my current employer.

Thoughts? I'll no doubt appear with gritted teeth just wonder what others think.

[SmoothCriminal]

Thanks for the help so far I have provided them with a witness statement so I haven't washed my hands of it so to speak.