Job start date delayed for weeks and now asking for very old references

[DyslexicPoster]

I was offered a job at the end of March. I still have no idea of even a rough start date. I provided my references before the interview which the employer said they would seek before interview.

Out of the blue I have today been asked for details of job I had in 2000 that they want references for. I don't anyone I worked with is still there. I cant remember any names and it pre dates my email account! I might have paperwork in my loft but I doubt I keep anything so old

I have had a bad feeling they are looking for reasons to retract the job offer. I got the offer a hour after the interview for context. The speed of the initial offer and the slowness since is giving me doubts.

I would give them a ring and ask why they want references from a quarter of a century ago.

I seem to be chasing them every other day. I'm going to be replying to them tomorrow to say I didn't even have a email account back then. I presume my bosses have since retired / died of old age!

I feel like they are pushing around for a reason to withdraw the offer. It's a LSA job, I had two decades of a corporate career since then as a graduate. I'm sure not every LSA needs previous experience. They knew my experience and when I worked last in a school when I applied. So why wait a month to ask? Since 2000 I have been married, had multiple kids two of whom are now adults. Surely no one expects to remember me with great clarity? Maybe that's the idea?