Job want references but I can't give them one

[DonaldLovesDoritos]

My new job want references before I start. My previous employer is fine, they're a big hospital so can give the reference with no issues.

But my employer before that cannot provide a reference, as they are no longer in existence. They don't exist, they stopped practising in 2015 I believe. They're an old dental surgery.

This new employer want two references for them, but I can't give it.

What do I say? They seem very adamant that they should get the two references and not just the one.

Just tell them that, it’s totally normal. Ask what you can supply as an alternative e

You can usually give a personal reference if you don't have two from employment.

Have you kept in touch with anyone from the dental surgery, such as the practice manager? If so ask them for a reference mentioning your time working with them.
Do you know anyone at the hospital who could give you a character reference, someone in a senior position, in addition to the standard hospital reference?

Are you a church goer who could ask the vicar? Do any of your friends run a business and would they give you a character reference?

You have to think laterally about who could supply what you need, maybe an old teacher......