to be annoyed my previous employer won't provide a reference

[summergoddess]

It's preventing me from moving on. I've got a job subject to references, 3 months later, still waiting ARRGGHH

Can you not provide another referee? Ask your new employer what they will accept.

Is there a reason they're not providing it? That's really strange!

No, I need it. No reason I know but I just don't know.

Your new job requiring them is who you should be annoyed with - there's absolutely no reason for your old company to do it, although most will give you a letter saying you worked there.

Talk to your new one, if all they want is prove you worked there (which is all references are unless referees are insane) then offer up payslips or something.

No, it is a charity. They have to do checks.

Does anyone know if they are legally obliged to provide a reference, even just a 'worked from/to' one?

I have this problem too Due to complete change of management and high staff turnover since I left no one has a clue who I am or what I did there.

Very frustrating as I was there for a long time and did some good work.

They don't have to provide one. Here's what ACAS say

Shit - I just realised I got a reference request last week that I haven't replied to

Does anyone know if they are legally obliged to provide a reference, even just a 'worked from/to' one?

No legal obligation.
I work in HR and I don't see why a reference would not be provided.

Can you call HR yourself and ask what the delay is, as it's the last item required.

I am not sure about legal. I do not think they have to provide one, I worked in a hell hole call centre, I stayed for a year, awful year. When I gave my notice they informed me it's company policy not to give a reference, just a letter with dates of employment, Juicy worked her x to y. Not very attractive.

Most employers only give a letter with dates worked theses days and it is all the new employer will expect.

Just call and ask why it's taking so long. If they're not going to do it, it's best to know. The new employer can check you some other way, believe me, we staff vet to a British standard and even with that if one ref doesn't come we can accept other stuff.