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Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

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Work

What if your current emplyer wont give a reference?

19 replies

dembloodybells · 20/10/2015 10:35

I've been offered a new job, subject to references.
My employer knew about this, and said she was happy to write a reference.
However, despite being chased by both me and the new company, she still hasn't done it.

I am supoosed to start the new job in just under 2 weeks (I only have to give a week notice to the current one)

But she is very evasive, never in the office when I call to speak to her, claims not to have recieved the first request, so another has been sent, When I did get to speak to her she cut me off very fast, agreeing to write it, but she still hasn't.

So what will happen if she hasn't written it by the time I need to hand in my notice?

Is she obliged to write a reference? Can she just stall for so long that the new company get fed up waiting and appoint someone else?

I really dont know what to do.

OP posts:

Report

Floundering · 20/10/2015 10:41

Is there anyone else in the department that can vouch for you?

Can HR write a letter to to least confirm you were employed, in what capacity & that there were n disciplinary issues during your employment?

Sounds weird of your boss. Did you have any problems while you were there?

dembloodybells · 20/10/2015 11:03

Nope.
It's a company owned by a husband and wife, with a manger being employed in the office. There are no other office staff, no HR, its all done by those three people.

The rest of us work out of different sites. I work alone, so don't even have colleagues I can ask.

I appreciete they are busy, but I'm getting increasingly worried. I've been there about a year and a half, and never had problems. In fact, I'd say they are excellent employers (well, they have been to me, other staff who I used to work with say very differently)

It's a complete carrerer change, (back to what I used to do) so the content of the reference will not be that significant, I just need them to confirm I worked there, didnt have too much sick leave, was reliable etc etc.

OP posts:

Chippednailvarnish · 20/10/2015 11:06

Write the reference, go in and stand over her whilst she signs it.
My understanding is that the company has to confirm dates you worked there, so they can't refuse to give you anything...

VegasIsBest · 20/10/2015 11:07

Could someone from the new company phone your boss and get a verbal reference from her?

Don't hand in your notice till you have the new position confirmed.

AnchorDownDeepBreath · 20/10/2015 11:09

There is no obligation for an employer to give a reference at all. If they do give one, it has to be fair and accurate, but it doesn't have to be good - they can say you were late if you were, for example.

Most places will at least confirm what dates you were employed if nothing else, but if they won't, there isn't much you can do to force them.

Have you talked to your new employers about whether they'd accept a personal reference instead? Or an older reference? It might be that this isn't so important to them, but I'd want to know what happens if your current job hasn't filled in the reference by the time you are due to start.

Your post reads like you haven't given notice yet because you only need to give a week - is that right? Is it possible they are delaying giving you a reference so that you can't take the new job and will therefore stay there?

dembloodybells · 20/10/2015 11:10

HR from the new company have phoned, I'm not sure but I think they were told the same as me 'yes, I'll get onto it as soon as possible'

OP posts:

lorelei9 · 20/10/2015 11:12

could this be a delaying tactic - she wouldn't be the first person to try this in order to get a good person to stay. Ridiculous, I know.

I would send her an email saying "I am really worried that I won't be able to start my new job in time, please could you provide the reference as they are chasing me".

Put it in writing so you've got it to show the new employer.....good luck.

dembloodybells · 20/10/2015 11:21

It might be a delaying tactic, but that would be very unfair.

The current job is 10 hours a week, unskilled, minimum wage, the new one is 40 hours, and is what I am qualified for.

The manager knew I was looking for a full time job.

Yes, Anchor, I would need to give in my notice at the begining of next week. I was hoping to do it a few days earlier so I could have some time off with the DC in the half term holiday, but that doesn't look like it will happen now.

I just really hope it gets sorted this week. I will call her again this afternoon, and see if I can get hold of her.

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daisychain01 · 20/10/2015 17:56

Can you contact the new employer and have a chat about it. Looks like you have been given the same stiff arm treatment maybe your new employer will take a magnanimous view if they really want you and have already assessed your competency for their role.

Can you find previous payslips to prove your employment?

Dembloodybells · 20/10/2015 22:18

That's a good idea, Daisy, about the payslips.

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daisychain01 · 20/10/2015 22:38

It would show creative thinking and determination that you want to solve the problem and move forward from it. You could even ingratiate yourself by telling them that. Best time to blow your own trumpet. Either that or say - daisychain said ffs give dembloodybells the job!!!

dembloodybells · 21/10/2015 09:34

That made me laugh, daisychain, thanks.

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dembloodybells · 21/10/2015 16:06

All sorted, the new job phoned the old job and nagged, so that worked.

Thanks everyone.

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Floundering · 21/10/2015 17:22

Fab glad it got sorted

Good luck for the new job!!

daisychain01 · 22/10/2015 03:45

Yaaay nice one hope it all goes well in your new job!

Out2pasture · 22/10/2015 04:35

very common where i'm from to NOT get references anymore just dates of employment, and sick days taken. no personal comments or hints at all.

Dembloodybells · 22/10/2015 21:04

I got the reference, the new contract, and handed my notice in today. Roll on 10 days, I can't wait to start, so excited.

OP posts:

Chippednailvarnish · 22/10/2015 23:08

Great news!

Floundering · 26/10/2015 22:25

Good luck!!

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