References

[3littlefrogs]

If you think someone has written a poor reference about you for malicious reasons (e.g. to deliberately stop you getting a job), is there any way you can insist on seeing it - for example using the freedom of information act?

TIA

Not under the freedom of info act, but possibly under data protection as it is information held about you. That's about all I know so you'd have to look into it, sorry can't help more. Good luck.

You'd do a subject access request for your file from the sender of the reference and the sendee. Most charge a small fee to copy your file. Sounds like it would be a good move anyway to see what's recorded on your file if you think that a malicious reference has been given.

It wasn't actually me, but a friend of my dd's. She has actually got a job elsewhere, but not the one she applied for originally. They (the first choice) hinted that her reference was "not that good" but said they couldn't actually tell her what it said. She thinks that the reference was deliberately negative.

It isn't a pleasant thought that a disgruntled employer could write a bad reference for you out of spite.

I had this and I found out that they are not allowed to act out of malice To put it another way if they are so disgruntled with you then they should be glad to get rid of you If they are not glad to be rid of you then obviously it is more likely to be something they have done....
How long have you been there?

Here is the ICO code of practice. You need to make a subject access request to the person who received the reference.

It depends what you mean by a 'bad reference out of spite' as well. If it is factually accurate and can be substantiated, then they can include it even if it seems 'mean' to mention things.