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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be really upset about this

27 replies

HartlepoolMover · 27/09/2024 13:22

Been with one of my workplaces for coming up to 3 years. It's working supply in schools. I gave two references all that time ago and I've been working all this time. Yet today I get told that they can't contact these past references and that this is a real concern. This leads me to believe they were never checked in the first place.

They said they need the two most recent work references but 1. My old workplace where I was at for fifteen years has closed down and been demolished just last month as it happens and 2. My old after school 'mum boss' who I worked for after that has passed away.

I'm worried that they will stop me working if I can't find anyone suitable.

OP posts:
Tel12 · 27/09/2024 13:23

Ask old colleagues if they will give a reference.

redtrain123 · 27/09/2024 13:25

You’ve been there over two years. I’m not an HR but doesn’t that count for something.

Also, why are they asking now? Surely they know how well you work?

Boobygravy · 27/09/2024 13:25

Ask an old colleague.
OR
Is there a supply you've done more than others who would give a reference for the past 3 years?

lifeturnsonadime · 27/09/2024 13:26

If you’ve been there 3 years then normal unfair dismissal rules apply. They will be hard pressed to dismiss you for their failure to obtain references in a timely manner.

Original poster
HartlepoolMover · 27/09/2024 13:27

It's an updated compliance system apparently.

And yes. I always have glowing reviews from all the schools I go to. Many ask for me to come back.
I also have an enhanced DBS check which is on the update service as well as certificates of training and qualifications.

OP posts:
DadJoke · 27/09/2024 13:28

This is very peculiar. Do your best to reach out to your old colleagues, but if they haven't contacted them in time and the company is closed that's not on you.

Original poster
HartlepoolMover · 27/09/2024 13:29

I may have the numbers of some old colleagues somewhere but whether they respond is a different story.

I do regular supply work at one school in particular but not sure if that will count....

OP posts:
HappiestSleeping · 27/09/2024 13:33

I don't think this is your problem. To solve. I would just say that references were provided when you started. If neither are still available 3 years on, it isn't your failing to provide them, it was a company failure to record the result, if they were ever provided.

As above, if they let you go, you have rights and can contest it.

Original poster
HartlepoolMover · 27/09/2024 13:36

Yes, I need to be more assertive and remind them that this isn't my fault and I will be claiming for unfair dismissal if they try saying I can't work

OP posts:
HappiestSleeping · 27/09/2024 13:39

HartlepoolMover · 27/09/2024 13:36

Yes, I need to be more assertive and remind them that this isn't my fault and I will be claiming for unfair dismissal if they try saying I can't work

I wouldn't make any threats yet. All you know, if I understand correctly, is that they are asking for references. Have they actually said that you would be dismissed if they can't obtain them? If they have, it's a different conversation, if they haven't, just go one step at a time and point out that you provided references when you joined. Then wait to see what the next step is.

Original poster
HartlepoolMover · 27/09/2024 13:52

No they haven't but I can imagine that will be the only logical next step.

OP posts:
memyselfi · 27/09/2024 14:45

This is absolutely not your problem.
You provided them at the time .

HappiestSleeping · 27/09/2024 16:43

HartlepoolMover · 27/09/2024 13:52

No they haven't but I can imagine that will be the only logical next step.

While it is tempting to think that, we don't know yet. Most of what we worry about never actually happens. Besides, you are looking at it from a position of logic and common sense, and there's no place for that in most jobs.

Hadalifeonce · 27/09/2024 16:49

I would tell them that as you provided two references 3 years ago, you would have expected them to pursue them at that time. If they didn't do that, and can not do it now, there is nothing you can do to help them.

Tulips543 · 27/09/2024 21:13

Would they not accept a reference from the schools you have worked at within the last 3 years?

TootieeFruitiee · 27/09/2024 21:33

They have failed in their ‘safer recruitment’ process. Their lack of process could be picked up as a safeguarding issue.

It’s annoying but they do need references for these roles. Could just be someone who used to work there.

Rubyandscarlett · 27/09/2024 21:34

Are you due an Ofsted OP? Just wondering why this is coming up now

Original poster
HartlepoolMover · 27/09/2024 22:04

I know they need references. I gave them three years ago and they should have been checked then.

It's an agency and does not have ofsted visits so won't be that.

OP posts:
Lavender14 · 27/09/2024 22:06

Are you part of a union op? If so I'd be asking them for advice on how to proceed. I would say that your references were contactable at the time they were given and should have been followed up with at the time. Their choice not to do that is not your problem.

Original poster
HartlepoolMover · 27/09/2024 22:10

I will wait to see what the response is. If they still claim they can't get hold of anyone and they are now in a position of letting me go because of this then I will seek further legal advice.

OP posts:
Procrastinates · 27/09/2024 22:11

Lavender14 · 27/09/2024 22:06

Are you part of a union op? If so I'd be asking them for advice on how to proceed. I would say that your references were contactable at the time they were given and should have been followed up with at the time. Their choice not to do that is not your problem.

Agreed I would be asking my union for advice, their request is completely unreasonable.

This is not your problem to resolve and the fact they didn't check at the time is not a reason for you to need to get in touch with people you've not worked with in over 3 years, especially considering one has sadly passed away.

Ohfuckrucksack · 27/09/2024 22:13

Your most recent reference is in fact themselves as you've been working for them for 3 years.

Original poster
HartlepoolMover · 27/09/2024 22:15

Exactly. So really, they could just call my old workplace to confirm I worked there and then speak to one of the headteachers at the ten or so schools I have worked with since I started 3 years ago. But I'm suspecting that would be too easy and sensible.....

OP posts:
catsnore · 27/09/2024 22:16

They've failed to follow up - it's their problem! Presumably you can get glowing feedback/references from the schools you have been doing supply in all this time. Plus your certificates, DBS clearance and so on prove that you are qualified for the job. Dig your heels in, hard, and defend yourself. Get union backing or even legal representation if necessary. I suspect they will just back down.

Original poster
HartlepoolMover · 27/09/2024 22:23

I don't want to speculate about what their response may be but if as I said, they try anything I will be assertive.
You have all made me see this isn't my problem but theirs. It isn't my fault as you have all said that they didn't check at the time. It's ridiculous that almost 3 years on they have brought this up. A few months back they were panicking about DBS checks and some workers had expired checks or not the correct certificate so I'm imagining they have gone into panic mode. But this just seems ridiculous.

OP posts:
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