I worked at a local authority for about twenty years and loved it and had a lot of respect from colleagues. I had a really bad spell financially around the time of my divorce and applied for a slightly higher paid job elsewhere. I don’t get it, but a few months later when the financial pressures had eased they rang and offered me a position. I agonised but ultimately took the job. Within a couple of months I knew it was a mistake - my new boss is an awful bully and is making my life hell. She almost immediately demoted me and changed all my terms and conditions - I cry every day and feel anxious all the time. I have seen a job at another council doing the same job I left which I would love, but I am very worried my current employer would give me a terrible reference. I can easily get two glowing references from previous managers at the council I used to work for. Can I use them even though I am asked to provide a current or most recent employer as a reference? I need to get out of this place!!