Left without notice, reference query

[Carly1409]

I put my notice in with immediate effect to my job of 6 years. They normally don’t send your references back until the 4 weeks notice period is up, but I didn’t work this nor said in my notice that I would be. Can they still withhold my reference for the typical 4 weeks if i left with immediate effect ?

Unless you are in certain occupations eg teachers, an employer isn't required to provide a reference. If they do, the reference needs to be truthful eg they can say you left without providing notice.

I wouldn't use somewhere I left with no notice as a reference if you can avoid it (unless the employer was happy for you to do that, and wouldn't mention it as a negative)

Why did you leave without notice? They can refuse to provide a reference at all but any reference they do give must be factual.

There’s no time period they have to provide a reference within, and other than in very limited sectors, no obligation to provide a reference at all. Any reference must be accurate which means they can say you walked out without working notice.

Are you sure you want a reference from them?