To wonder what information is provided

[Happilybimbling]

When you start a new job and they ask for references from your previous employers, what information is actually given to them and what is/is not allowed to be passed on?

How many days absence you’ve had, have you had any disciplinary action against you, are you punctual, how do you interact with others. These are some of the things asked. I’m not sure what is not allowed to be asked.

Thats good, I was wondering how it works ie. if there is a set list or template that all potential employers ask from previous ones or if it was a case of a general conversation and whichever questions they specifically think of?

Often a previous employer will just be asked to confirm dates you worked there and your job title. If working with children or vulnerable adults, there may be a safeguarding question. These days, reference are usually very short and tick boxes!

Thanks for your responses, my doctor has said they would be able to sign me off on long term sick due to dealing with stress of dealing with DSs recent medical diagnosis and all the associated medical appointments, its the first long period of sickness I will have had in 10 years (a couple of odd days here and there for d&v or colds).

I am wondering if I have to find a less demanding job and Ive just had a long period of sickness, will this be held against me as it seems they can ask for history of absences?

The key is to be able to explain your absence and how you can now commit to a job. I was in a similar position and to be totally honest, some employers openly said they wouldn’t be comfortable hiring someone with so much absence. Once I explained that I now had support and childcare in place, some employers respected my honesty. Ultimately you only need one interview panel to understand that you are human and things happen.
It’s a hard situation so just be ready to explain how you’ll make the job work and remain committed.

@Pinkchocolate did you bring it up in interviews or did you wait until they ask for references and then did they give you the chance to explain if your references showed the absences?

Initially I didn’t bring it up at interviews but a few jobs offered me positions “subject to satisfactory references” and then withdrew the offer. At that point I explained my situation but the majority weren’t interested. I then decided to bring it up myself and explain it which meant that I didn’t dread the reference and actually got a couple of job offers.