Half truth reference

[sinkatron]

Just wondered if anyone had any insight or similar experience to issues we are having.

My DH was offered a job dependent on references. The offer was withdrawn due to the content of the reference sent by his current employer. We have asked for a copy of this but paraphrased from the potential employer it raised issues with 2 things. One which he has never been spoken to about and the second which is partially true although based around a performance issue raised by them which was actually not true but he never fought ir at the time.

We are now in position where we worry he can't move on as are any future reference may be the same.

It's been addressed with his HR who seem to be taking the referees side as I would have expected to protect the business.

Not sure where to go from here.

It might be worth a try asking the new company for a copy of the reference under the data protection act - they may send you a copy . Even if they don't give it I would write to old company and say that you feel the reference is misleading. I got the below from you gov:

If the worker thinks they’ve been given an unfair or misleading reference, they may be able to claim damages in a court. The previous employer must be able to back up the reference, eg by supplying examples of warning letters.
Workers must be able to show that:

it’s misleading or inaccurate
they ‘suffered a loss’, eg a job offer was withdrawn

Thank you. He's requested reference so will just waiting game now.