Reference situation when fraud by ex employer is involved

[Userxxxxx]

Hi again,

I now have a permanent job offer firmly in writing where it looks like they are very intent on checking references. Alongside being well aware the employer is under no obligation to give a reference (I know I can get references from all bar one employer from the last two years who sadly committed furlough fraud) I've become aware from the recent sales employer I'd left, who let me know they simply didn't respond to multiple requests.

Therefore I've told the new job offer this, where I now kind of feel rather awkward and really silly for coming clean as soon as I said there is going to be an issue - they still want to attempt a reference ask. Do people really just keep quiet when they know there is likely going to be a no respond? (it's how the person made me feel) I just imagined it going against, stay quiet and then in couple of weeks down the line, risking, embarrassingly having another Employer say, well we can't get this reference.

I've tried offering the new Employer other but older reference letters I have in my possession and evidence of the HRMC records concerning the furlough fraud.

I'm in a really difficult position with the furlough fraud ex employer as there is no HR dept and cannot ask anyone except the director as it was more a 'friends working together' small business environment and the person who was most briefly my Manager was best mates with the director and went off herself a few months into my employment to have a baby so could legitimately and genuinely say hadn't worked with me for the last 6 months I was there without her.

Also it just seems harsh as the offer letter states: "Please note, this offer is a legal document and by entering into this contract you are legally bound to commence work with us. If you accept in writing and then revoke your decision prior to your start date, the Company may initiate legal proceedings". But, yet I could fail their satisfactory reference checking and get a free boot out of the door?! it just seems contradictory.

I feel there has been zero to little support for employees of furlough fraud - I really don't want a temp as we go job because it's feels like I'm paying big style for them being able to commit a fraud.

Sorry rant over.

Someone I know was interviewed for a school support job a while back. She purposely didn't give the details of her ex employer who she had to raise a grievance with, because she knew getting a reference would be tough, despite it being clearly stated they would happily give her a reference in future (they begged her to stay she decided to leave).
Long story short she was told she had to give the details as it was her 2nd last employer. She did and instead of ignoring the request they refused to do one for her. Which obviously raised flags.

She was brought back into a meeting and was told what had happened and was asked to explain. She was upset but was honest about what had happened with her being bullied and having to raise a grievance and they were very understanding and grateful for her honesty. It also helped that the ex employer had made quite a name for herself for bullying many others.

I suppose all you can do it be honest if the question arises but keep it professional

I've tried offering the new Employer other but older reference letters I have in my possession and evidence of the HRMC records concerning the furlough fraud.

On your first point, it is extremely unlikely that any company would accept a copy of a reference from yourself - you could have written it. They will want a response from the employer themselves.

On your second point - I would not have done that! I can't see how the furlough fraud is relevant to giving you a reference at all. I think from your post that you say your previous employer didn't get a response from them. But did you show a potential employer HMRC documents from a previous employer?