Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Work

Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

can a current employer refuse to give a reference?

26 replies

monkeymoma · 02/05/2012 21:35

thanks x

OP posts:
gnocci · 02/05/2012 21:41

Yes. No obligation whatsoever on an employer to give a reference.

AgentProvocateur · 02/05/2012 21:43

Yes. I have refused once for someone who lied, skived and made colleagues' lives a misery. I thought long and hard about it.

monkeymoma · 02/05/2012 21:43

well that sucks! :-S

OP posts:
monkeymoma · 02/05/2012 21:44

AP it's not based on it being bad

OP posts:
FantasticDay · 02/05/2012 21:44

Why are they refusing?

gnocci · 02/05/2012 21:44

Sorry!

monkeymoma · 02/05/2012 21:44

its a current employer so still quite happy with the work, other job wouldn't interfere (but is necessary as 1st job only 15 hrs/wk)

OP posts:
gnocci · 02/05/2012 21:45

They dont need a reason, the can simply say no.

jkklpu · 02/05/2012 21:45

Some employers limit themselves to confirming the start/finish dates of employment rather than giving any qualitative comments. This means that they can't be held liable for saying/not saying something about the performance of an individual who might or might not work out at the new employer.

FantasticDay · 02/05/2012 21:45

That does sucks then.

monkeymoma · 02/05/2012 21:46

they don't think its necessary, think other references could be used (as if anyone would hire someone who can't produce a reference from current employer! )

OP posts:
BlueRinse · 02/05/2012 21:47

Have you spoken to your current employer and explained you need more hours plus a reference?

monkeymoma · 02/05/2012 21:47

Jkklpu that would be better than nothing

OP posts:
purpleroses · 02/05/2012 21:48

If your line manager won't give you one you can always ask a colleague. The line manager's never going to know.

BlueRinse · 02/05/2012 21:48

x post, sounds like they would rather not give a reference over giving a bad one!

Sorry.

monkeymoma · 02/05/2012 21:49

yup BR been very clear that it is to SUPPLIMENT current job as hours are limited, not an attempt to leave, told them about it before applying, even got personal statement tips, but now the reference is refused. Been open and honest and pleasant all the way through, very surprized now

OP posts:
difficultpickle · 02/05/2012 21:49

My old employer's contract prevented me from having employment elsewhere at the same time but my role was full time.

Does your prospective employer require a reference from your existing employer or could you get it from a client, colleague etc?

monkeymoma · 02/05/2012 21:50

why would it be a terrible reference if it's someone they want working for them?

OP posts:
monkeymoma · 02/05/2012 21:52

I mean how can you want to say "don't hire X" if you want to continue to hire them?

OP posts:
fallenangle · 02/05/2012 21:56

An employer has no obligation to supply a reference although almost all do, even if only to confirm dates of employment, as they also want references on prospective employees. references that give opinion rather than facts are becoming less common because of fear of being sued.

monkeymoma · 02/05/2012 21:58

so what about the interview comming up? is there any point going for it with no current employer reference?

OP posts:
monkeymoma · 02/05/2012 22:00

they have given references for 2 other jobs applied for recently, so while it wasn't SPECIFICALLY asked for for this one, it was (now it seems wrongly) assumed (but not listed, "refs on request" put down as always out of courtesy informed before every reference listed)

OP posts:
purpleroses · 02/05/2012 22:06

Yes, go for your interview. Explain the situation and get a reference from a previous employer or someone else. Lots of employers don't take them up until after they've made a decision anyway.

AgentProvocateur · 02/05/2012 22:20

That's a bit shit - if I was employing you and your current employer wouldn't give a reference, I would be suspicious. If you were the right person for the job, I'd phone your current employer to ask why they wouldn't give you a reference.

monkeymoma · 02/05/2012 22:44

thanks, will just have to make do and plot ahead with the interview, not managing on 15 hrs Sad and relationship is otherwise good with boss so we'll see

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread