Old job new job

[Chippyway]

I have an interview coming up for a new job and. It’s on my day off which means I don’t have to take time off from my current job to attend it

The thing is two previous employees have been ‘let go’ when our top manager found out they were getting a new/another job. So now I’m worried that the same will happen to me. They also refuse to give out references. Thankfully my team leader is a personal friend and I’ll be asking my new job to contact her for my reference, but am I right in thinking it’s illegal to sack somebody for looking for a new job?

Depends entirely on how long they've been working there. If less than two years, the employer can dismiss them for virtually any reason (other than a specific list of unfair reasons mainly to do with discrimination) so it would be perfectly lawful to dismiss someone for that reason, as long as sufficient notice was given. Bit daft and shortsighted, but not unlawful.

If someone's been there two years or more, then a fair reason for dismissal is needed and a fair procedure. Looking for a new job wouldn't be a fair reason, no, so that would probably be unfair dismissal.

Oh buggar. I’ve only been with this company 6 months

How would your employer find out though?

I imagine if they do find out it’ll be when the new job asks for references. I’ve put down my team leaders contact details, but there’s still a chance they’ll contact the office number to ask about a reference.

I currently work for a private company, however I will be joining the NHS if all goes well at the interview. The work itself is very very similar. My current company works on very dodgy grounds (which is why I’m leaving!). The last thing I want is to end up jobless

But you’ll already have the job offer then anyway?

True, but my current employers refuse to give out references. So IF my new job does request a reference using the office number then I’m screwed because without a decent reference I won’t get the job

Ask the potential employer not to ask for references until they make you a 'job offer subject to satisfactory references' (if they do indeed pick you) as your current employer has form for sacking people who seek alternative employment.

In that way even if your current employer dismisses you you have a new job to go to.

I’d do what Peas said if they make an offer and give your team leaders details. I wouldn’t sweat it too much if you’ve only been there 6 months, presumably you’ve got previous employers that can provide references?

Good luck OP your employers sound like bastards

I shall do what peas said. Thanks I guess I was just worried that by asking that it’d look as if I had a dodgy background at work (I don’t). And Beans you’re right, my previous job I left two weeks before my current job and I was thought of quite highly there having worked there for 7 years. So I’ve got that reference to fall back on.

And yep they are absolute bastards!

Give the prospective employer the details of the people you want them to contact. I can't see why they would try to contact anyone else, most sensible employers know that references are a sensitive area and you don't want your employer knowing that you are looking for another job until you've been offered one you're happy to accept.

I would definitely avoid using this company for your reference. What's the point? Your 7 year reference has far more currency and weight than employment that's only lasted 6 months. That's some people's probationary period!

I wouldn't give them the satisfaction of needing them for a reference, they could choke on it, but then I'm awkward like that :-D

Just use other references?

I suspect the nhs reference checking requirements would be really be checking you were in employment when you said. IMO these days written references rarely say more than:

“Miss Clacks Down has worked for BigCorp for 10 years and currently holds the position of Head of Paperclips”

Thank you for the advice

I got the new job!!! Well, I received a conditional job offer depending on my background checks and references. I’m no criminal so I know I’ll be fine there!

As for my references, I explained I didn’t want my boss to find out I was job hunting. They understood and requested an email for my team leader which they sent out today. So phew!

Congratulations chippyway! Glad it all worked out