Hope some one has some knowledge regarding work references, a couple of years ago I worked as a Buyer for the NHS, the whole time I was there I was harrassed by my boss. After I fell pregnant she told me my job would not be available part-time even though other people did the same job and job shared. I felt to intimidated to do anything about this, she offered me a lower payed job and I said yes. After I had given birth she harrassed me by phone, mail and email asking when I was returning, I decided not to go back and told her. Recently I applied for a new job and put her down as a reference, she told the interviewer that I was a 'horrid person', very lazy and didn't work hard. As a result i didn't get the job and it's really detented my confidence. I did work hard although I had problems due to the constant harassment and critiscism of my work. Is there anything I can do as i'm scared to apply for work now!