can a current employer refuse to give a reference?

[monkeymoma]

thanks x

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

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

well that sucks! :-S

AP it's not based on it being bad

Why are they refusing?

Sorry!

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)

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

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.

That does sucks then.

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! )

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

Jkklpu that would be better than nothing

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

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

Sorry.

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

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?

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

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

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.

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

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)

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.

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.

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