Posting for advice as not sure what to do!
I recently resigned from my job. I didn't have a definite offer of another role, but there were several possible options open to me, and I was unhappy at work. I spoke to my manager amicably about my resignation and he confirmed he was happy to give me a reference.
Within days, I have received a job offer, subject to references as per usual. I agreed that the new company could contact my manager for a reference and let him know that they would be in touch.
He has now said that he thinks it would be more appropriate if they approached HR. He made a slightly odd comment about knowing the people in my new company and feeling there could be a conflict of interest.
Is this fairly normal, or something to worry about? Nothing has changed since he agreed to give me a reference a few days ago.
I have informed the new company through my recruitment consultant that they should contact HR and not my manager...I guess there's nothing else I can do? I'm annoyed and worried that this will affect my job offer. My manager is one of the key reasons I am leaving my current job - there have been several occasions when he has verbally agreed to do something I needed then not followed through. Should I panic or is this okay?