I need to right a character statement...

[CoralRose]

Is that what they're called?

An old employer is being taken to a tribunal (an ex employer is suing over discrimination against mothers), and they've asked me to provide a statement that they could perhaps use in court as I was a single mother when I worked for them.

I've no idea where to start...do I introduce myself? How much detail do I give? I need some sort of template I think!

Can anybody help?

Thank you, in advance.

[CoralRose]

Oh my god.... I've just realised I put 'right' instead of 'write'.

How embarrassing

[CoralRose]

Character reference, perhaps? Is that right?

[CoralRose]

Is anybody about to help? I have to do it this morning!

[slartybartfast]

i would keep it brief.

were they honest?
friendly?
hardworking?
approachable/

it is only a character reference so they only need a few words. imo

[catsareevil]

I agree keep it brief. Start by explaining your relationship to the people, ie when you worked for them. I would keep it fairly general and stick to facts rather than value judgements.

[CoralRose]

Okay... I feel I need to give a bit of detail as they were incredibly good... outstanding in fact!

How should I start it... Do I give my name?

[catsareevil]

Dont put your name at the beginning, put it at the end, just below your signature.
Its fine to give detail if you want, especially if you feel genuinely positive about the people.

[theyoungvisiter]

I think people have the wrong end of the stick here - this is not an employment reference - it's a character reference for a court case.

The court won't care about whether the person is hardworking/punctual etc. This rests on whether they are, or not, discriminatory against working mothers. It's totally different from an employment reference.

CoralRose I have no experience of this but I think in your shoes I would just start by explaining when I worked for them, in what capacity etc, and then state a few concrete examples of how they behaved when you were in their employment. Did the court solicitor approach you asking for this? Could you ask their advice about the usual format?

[slartybartfast]

i have done a character reference.

i wrote

i found X to be . etc.,

[theyoungvisiter]

Fair enough slarty - and maybe the list of qualities you gave in your post was relevant in your case, but the OP's case concerns discrimination. Whether the ex employer is/was hardworking or not is neither here nor there - those qualities are not in dispute.

What's at issue is whether they discriminate against working parents so I presume the statement needs to address that.

But as I say - I have no experience in this so am happy to be corrected.

[RECENTLYFOUNDOUT]

I have done this sort of thing a couple of times. I usually start by saying I have known so and so since x when I was an employee of his/the company. I would then say that I worked from them until x year and list all the ways in which they were positive towards you with regards to your employment - for e.g. did they assist if you needed additional time off or anything? I would also tell the person that if they wish to discuss the details further they can contact you on.......

HTH x

[CoralRose]

Thank you everyone...theyoungvisitor - you were right!

I started by giving info on my job and time I worked there... then a sort of 'biography' of my time there and how they helped me throughout, I ended with a summary of how I felt about them as employers.

I may have to go to court....anyone have any experience of this?