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My old job have sent my new job a reference request, but I haven’t applied there

62 replies

InAWorkQuandry · 15/09/2025 19:37

posting in AIBU for traffic because wtf do I do?!

I left my old job about a month and a half ago. It wasn’t under brilliant circumstances. They were desperate for me to stay, I wanted to leave. My old boss still contacts me regularly to ask if I regret the move and if I’d like to come back.

My new boss came up to me today and said she was sorry to hear I was leaving as she thought I’d settled in well. I was extremely confused because I’ve not applied anywhere else. I love my new job and want to stay there.

it turns out my old job have sent a reference request to my new job. I have reassured my manager that I’m very happy and not planning on leaving, and she’s going to ignore it. But wtf??? What do I do?? My old job have made it clear that “the door is always open”, meaning they basically want me back. I think their aim was that I’d end up leaving this new job and go back to them. But obviously that’s not what I want.

how the hell do I deal with this?!

OP posts:
Bladderpool · 15/09/2025 19:48

That’s appalling behaviour and very manipulative. I think I’d actually speak to a solicitor and get them to send a cease and desist.

FurForksSake · 15/09/2025 19:48

Could it have been an error that they’ve read something and done the opposite?

Allthesnowallthetime · 15/09/2025 19:47

Isn't this a breach of GDPR? They have kept and used your details for no legitimate reason.

Oneeyedonkey · 15/09/2025 19:46

Bambamhoohoo · 15/09/2025 19:42

I don’t think OP is advocating drama. It’s extremely odd behaviour though isn’t it?

OP I agree all you can do is a polite email. How creepy though.

I thought her language was dramatic.
"How the hell" "WTF" etc

InAWorkQuandry · 15/09/2025 19:44

JudeyJudey · 15/09/2025 19:43

Why would they ask for references if they already know you and want you back?

I think to try and get me out of my new job. It’s very much a case of they wanted to keep me (and would do everything besides put together a good offer!). I think they’re hoping for it to become so awkward I leave, and then am in a position where I go back

OP posts:
JudeyJudey · 15/09/2025 19:43

Why would they ask for references if they already know you and want you back?

NotMyNigelFarage · 15/09/2025 19:43

Oneeyedonkey · 15/09/2025 19:41

Contact HR at your old place?
Put it in writing.

This. Get it on record.

Bambamhoohoo · 15/09/2025 19:42

Oneeyedonkey · 15/09/2025 19:39

No need for drama, email your old boss, make it clear you're happy in your new role a d not looking to return.
No drama. Just facts.

I don’t think OP is advocating drama. It’s extremely odd behaviour though isn’t it?

OP I agree all you can do is a polite email. How creepy though.

Oneeyedonkey · 15/09/2025 19:41

Contact HR at your old place?
Put it in writing.

Noshadowsinthedark · 15/09/2025 19:41

What odd behaviour.

I would email, politely, asking why they have requested a reference as you’ve not given permission for them to seek references.

InAWorkQuandry · 15/09/2025 19:40

Oneeyedonkey · 15/09/2025 19:39

No need for drama, email your old boss, make it clear you're happy in your new role a d not looking to return.
No drama. Just facts.

They know this though. I’ve been telling my old boss this for the last six weeks. They’re still trying to tempt me back.

OP posts:
Oneeyedonkey · 15/09/2025 19:39

No need for drama, email your old boss, make it clear you're happy in your new role a d not looking to return.
No drama. Just facts.