16 weeks and reference still pending from old boss - any advice??

[ahfeckit]

I've basically applied to two nurse banks to do bank work (work shifts when it suits my lifestyle). I applied on 23 May with one nurse bank, and everything has been cleared in my application (except the reference) and I applied for the other nurse bank in June, had the interview on 4th July, and they sorted out all the paperwork at their end (but yes, still the same refence pending!!). I've been given the go ahead by both banks, but they obviously can't let me get started until they receive this refence.
Has anyone else been in this situation?? Surely my previous boss has an obligation to give me a reference (good or bad!). She is stopping me from earning money.I left my work on good terms with everyone so I've no idea what the hold up is.
She is just back from a two week break, and I know she still works there (spoke with a former colleague of mine at the weekend).
Any help please?? Not sure what to do.

[ahfeckit]

Meant to add I asked her in person before I left my job if she'd be ok to send off a reference if I choose to join a nurse bank and she said 'no problem'.
I've emailed her a few times to remind her to fire off a ref via email to the bank, but no idea if she's checked it yet.
She isn't easy to get hold off via phone as she does a lot of meetings, and doesn't spend much time in the office.

[ahfeckit]

anyone??

[Ginni]

Even though she's hard to get hold of to speak to, i'd still say hound her down to speak to on the phone. Or another alternative would be to get HR to do you a reference (presuming your old company had a HR department). What a nightmare!

[ahfeckit]

thanks Ginni. She has been sent several emails from the bank already and I've sent her one a few days ago, with no response.
It's actually making me doubt my decision to return to work again because it's taken this long.

[tink123]

can you actually go in and see her

[ahfeckit]

no, sadly it's a no kids policy where I used to work so since I have DS with me most of the time it's a no go area(DH works overtime alot - since i'm not at work). thanks tink123, good suggestion but can't do it. if it was anywhere else i would be free to just walk in with my DS but sadly can't do that where I used to work, too risky.

[ahfeckit]

if I don't hear anything from her tomorrow, I've decided to give her a call on Friday(but doubt I'll get her directly to talk to). phoned HR dept this afternoon and they said they don't issue out references, and they told me that it has to come from my old boss. they can't do anything to help the situation. it's so blood annoying!!!

[ahfeckit]

problem solved, she sent an email today replying to the one I had sent on Monday, saying she has sent off the reference to the bank. hallelujah!!!!

thanks for your suggestions folks!!