What do you do if your employer doesn't give a reference?

[1984isnow]

I am not in this position yet, but am interviewing for a few positions.

I wouldn't like to go into specifics, but I work in a small hellhole. The owner can be unpredictable and passive aggressive. He has in the past made a 'joke' he will give me a crap reference so I can't ever leave(in the context of complaining about staff retention). It might be unlikely, but if the time comes, I am worried he could be in his spiteful phase and just ignore the request. He also likes to make creepy jokes at and about me, so another thing I'm worried about, is if someone calls for a reference instead of email (do companies ever call?) he might make one of these 'joke comments' to the company.

For other people who have left, they haven't needed a reference because of the industry (their job interviews are more based on demonstrating the skill). Mine is office based work and the companies I am applying for will be rigorous with references.

He is already flouting many h&s responsibilities and such, so something like a reference he isn't obliged to give isn't going to worry him. The trouble is, almost all potential jobs require a current employer ref. I have been here just over a year, so I can't leave this job off my cv.

There is no one else in the company who can deal with references (well except me, but obvs not in this case).

This job has taken a toll on my MH so I am probably being over anxious, but I would still like to prepare just incase.

I think (and might be wrong) that all a reference is now is confirmation that you worked for x company from x date and had x role/job title.

I know, I'm worried that he will even just refuse that

I recruit a fair bit , and if I offered you a job and asked for references I'd appreciate a heads up that he might be tricky.

If he refuses to even say whether or not you'd worked there I'd assume he was a dick. But I'd want some kind of proof (payslips?) that you had actually been there.

I do sometimes call up for informal references (I work in a small industry where everyone knows everyone). I suspect I could tell if he was being deliberately unhelpful?

Sounds like you're 100% right to look around- good luck!!

Thanks peony I might mention it if I get a job offer, depending on the company. Like yours, everyone knows everyone in this area in the industry, and they all know 'how he is'. Hopefully they will be understanding, and yes I can prove I worked there if companies will accept payslips and such.

He has no decorum, he even makes weird and sexist comments infront of suppliers and customers, so I'm really preparing for the worst.

Meant to say, it's more if get a job offer outside of the industry, like a local authority who will probably need to keep things 'by the book'.

Explain the situation, and give several alternative referees from previous jobs and perhaps personal or volunteer positions too.

I've twice had the misfortune to leave a company who I didn't trust with a reference. Once was through recruitment agent and I was honest (I left because of a bullying boss wrecking my mental health) with the agency, who were happy to accept alternative references, and the other time I just gave ones and there was no problem.

I work in a school. If we have weak references we have to do a permanent risk assessment, once initial weeks have passed with no incident and a temporary risk assessment until that point.

Doesn’t stop us employing if we think they are the best person and we are otherwise satisfied they are suitable.