Bully ex-boss not sticking to agreed reference

[Gizzajob25]

Name changed for this.

Following bullying at work, on union advice I took a settlement agreement which included an agreed reference. I am beginning to suspect that this is not being adhered to and that my ex-boss is contacting potential employers and verbally given me a poor reference. I have had excellent feedback from my interviews for jobs that I am well qualified to carry out but have been given vague reasons for not being offered the post. I realise that this could be paranoia, but is there any way of checking this out? Safeguarding means I have to give last employer as a referee.

[wobblebobblehat]

Can you ask a friend to ring for a reference and record the call? I would be inclined to do this in the first instance. I'm sure others will have better advice though!

I hope things improve for you soon.

[Slowtrain2dawn]

That's awful if it is the case! What pp said is a great idea. Did the settlement agreement mention verbal references? Breaking the agreement has serious consequences, you could need legal advice about how to tackle this.

[rhoneducote]

how absolutely terrible. poor you. yes wot wobble said is a very good idea.

[OccamsRaiser]

A word of warning on the PP's advice - Be very careful recording someone without their consent!