Previous employer ignoring new employer for reference

[chocolateaddict231]

Hi everyone,

I worked for an employer for six years and last year I gave my notice as I took a manager position elsewhere. All seemed well upon leaving, they gave me a written reference and gave me a phone reference for my new employer. I had no issues when I left but they've had a number of issues with management both when I was there and since I left.

I have now been offered a position closer to home and need two verified references. One was my most recent employer which was good but they've been trying to reach my old employer for six weeks on two different numbers and are being ignored. I've spoken to employees there (who are quite unhappy there due to a lot of messyness) and they've been told they've seen the calls go through and it hasn't been explained to them why its being ignored. They can't see any reason why and either can I.

This could really mess up things for me as my old references before this position are now viewed too old and I'm wondering do I have any legal standing to obtain a reference? On a personal note, it's pretty disappointing after six happy years in a job!

Does the new employer have the testimonial/copy of the written reference or is the issue that it dos not count...

does

Unfortunately they don't legally need to provide a reference so there isn't much you can do if they decide not to.

Is the person who gave you the original reference still there? Would you be able to contact them directly and ask?

As it's a second reference and not your most recent employer will they accept a reference from someone else - a second person from your current job, someone who can give you a reference from an activity outside work?

I can see a reason why they wouldn't, and it's nothing to do with how good you were - time. They're being asked to spend time doing something that has no value to them. If you're busy, that's not a priority.

An employer does not have to give a reference. There is no way you can force them to do so. The only way forward is to see if your prospective employer will accept an alternative.