Can a reference say this?

[bouncingbelle]

I,ve just lost (another) job offer due to a poor reference. Previous employer told potential employer about a 'performance improvement programme' I was put on about 6 months before I left - based on false accusations by bullying line manager (have seen all info after submitting Foi request) - and had been successfully completed months prior to me leaving.

Should previous boss have been able to mention this 'performance improvement programme' to potential employer as It had been completed!!!?

They can say what they like if it is the truth.

Do you have to use them for a reference?

They were my last employer (was in the job for 5 years) and most applications hsve been asking for your last employer.

Don't know what I'm going to do now tho, as line manager, boss and top bods have all left in the year since I,ve been unemployed (boss must have given this reference in his last week).

I'm 39, have health issues, and feel like with this reference issue I'm never going to work again :(

Ok if they have left now, then they are not likely to do this again. So hopefully the next one will be standard info only.

What arseholes.

They can tell the truth. However, if you believe that you're previous manager has misled by giving the impression that you were subject to a plan at the point of your departure, and it has cost you a job, you can sue for damages.

Have you thought about approaching your referee and saying that the way they have written the reference has given your potential employers the impression that you left without resolving your performance issue and asking them to adjust it?

Is it a professional vocational role such as NHS/teaching?

Are you in a union? If so, seek advice & get your union's legal rep onto it.

A reference needs to be fair and accurate. If they are only mentioning the performance is and not balancing it with 4.5 years of good performance, no issues etc.

However I suspect that suing is not an option due to expense. Maybe you coukd get a solicitor to write a strongly worded letter telling them they are defaming you?

So had the last employer confirmed that all was fine before you decided to leave? We're there any issues such as high sickness rates ongoing?
Employers have to be factual and most businesses now do nothing more than confirm dates due the risk of people challenging them. I think teaching is different.