To think this is an unreasonable request from new employer?

[SerialNCsorry]

Hi I got a new job and completed a trial shift last Friday,
I was offered the job on Saturday and today is my first proper shift.
I was asked for references I gave referee contact details and as I'm on friendly terms with my referees I told them I'd given their contact details etc I was then messaged back by each one with a summary and in one case screenshot of what each person said (which I didn't ask for) so I know my references were good (dunno if relevant).
Anyhow.
I'm halfway through my shift right now, and I've been asked to ask my old manager for photographs of the workplace.
It's a commercial kitchen, again, if relevant. And I've been gone for over a month, so I can't think what relevance my old workplace has specifically when I've accepted the job offer, references have checked out etc? Is this a reasonable demand and if it's not how do I broach this? I'm on break now but just sort of went Erm I've got to go do x y sorry be back later as I didn't know what to respond. Fwiw I've worked in the industry for almost 14 years throughout various jobs and have never been asked this

I don't know about reasonable, but would be very aware that - quite aside from commercial confidentiality issues - there could be data protection issues if there were colleagues in shot.

No that is not a reasonable request.

Were you paid for that trial shift?

TBH they sound dodgy.

Yes I'm being paid for the trial shift I did, I wouldn't mind if not though tbh (have done unpaid ones in the past and the trial was only 2hrs long) glad to know it's an unreasonable request re photos though. I can't personally go and take photos obviously I've not worked there for a little while now around a month. So I'd have to get my old manager to do it. We're on good terms but I can imagine he'd be at it. It just seems so bizarre

Do they think your references are from friends rather than from previous employers?

Any request for information should clearly explain why it is needed and what it will be used for. Information should only be requested if strictly necessary.

I can't see how this bizarre request meets those basic requirements.

I dunno but seems a funny way of verifying it. Surely I could take photos of any old commercial kitchen? in any case if they think me capable of lying about such a thing I'd rather they just fire me tbh

Just say you've ask your old manager but haven't heard back from him/her?

That's really odd and I can't think of any grounds where it's reasonable to ask you for that.

Don't ask old place just tell new place, sorry old manager not keen and I didn't want to press it.

Just say you've asked but been told "data protection".

Ask why, because even if you were going t do it, you'd need to give your previous manager a reason for the request.

If you're still on good terms with your old manager could you speak to them, ask if they know of any read why your new employer would want them and if your old manger thinks it's an odd request would they be willing to speak to your new employer?
I don't know the industry but if an employer not linked to my business or company was asking for pictures of my business for someone I was a referee for I would be speaking to them asking why it was relevant or any of their business.

Tell them the request has to come from them. Its not reasonable.

No, that sounds fishy! If they suspect you of dishonesty, they should be honest enough to be upfront about it, in as tactful a way as possible of course.

I've never once been asked for photographs of my old workplace...how bizarre! Ask the manager what they want them for and see what they say.

Do you know your old manager well enough to tell him that this has been requested of you and see what he says? If he says absolutely not then you can be honest with your new boss and say that request has been refused.

To be honest i would go back to your new boss and ask why he needs this as you feel it is an imposition to ask your previous workplace to provide this.

It is very odd indeed.

I would ask my new manager what they needed it for! (And then come back and tell us, please.)

That is a bizzare request also agree with what Koala said.

Odd.
So..
Wants to see competition, in which case, it shows far too weird an obsession.

Wants to be sure it's clean?!? ..See above..Too weird.
Doesn't believe last workplace existed/was a kitchen - that level of mistrust is already problematic
Has a sideline selling kitchen equipment
Is a trouble maker who wants to zoom from n and 'prove' lack of hygiene etc in competition. See above, too weird.

Agree say 'confidential, commercial interest'...

bizarre even I clearly need more caffeine.

You could also play admin games and say 'sure', could you put the request in writing?'

Bet they won't.

Extremely odd!

I'd definitely fob them off. "I'm sorry, it's not possible for me to get any photos of old place".

The first thing that sprang to my mind was that new boss wants to get some ideas on kitchen layouts (or whatever room is applicable) for a renovation, but without having to pay for professional designs etc.

Ask the new employer why.

Was your previous manager one of your referees?

If not, perhaps your new employer is wondering why. For example, if a chef in a restaurant and you gave another chef as a reference, rather than the giving the General Manager, that might raise an eyebrow.

The timing does sound as if this question might tie in with receipt of your references.

Odd as hell!!!

Get the new employer to contact the old one, because you feel that would be more appropriate.

YANBU