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Original poster

Will my job offer be withdrawn?

104 replies

Alice558 · 08/03/2023 14:21

Hi Guys,

I am just looking for some advice really....

I was recently offered a HCA job in the NHS and i previously left my old workplace due to bullying. I was off sick for 2 months and i have declared this in my occupational health questionnaire.

Now, I left back in October, and i was in the fortunate position to leave as I had savings, enough where i could not sign on the dole. I provided 2 references for the past 3 years from my two previous jobs, however because i was unemployed from October to now they are asking me for a reference in that space. So they want one from October to January (when i was offered the job). I have explained to them I have no social circle and i know no one, i mean NO ONE (of high standing). I have asked my dentist, optician and teacher and doctor and they have all refused to give a job reference.

I have been explaining this for about a month now to them but i feel like i am going around in circles and i just want to know where i stand, does it seem likely they will withdraw the offer?

Thank you
Alice

OP posts:
ShipOfTheseus · 08/03/2023 17:49

DaddysGirl36 · 08/03/2023 17:43

I work in the NHS & so their job application process is all I've ever known. Few things to ask/raise:

  1. They usually insist the manager in your last role is a referee & this is merely to provide the dates you worked there so is not a character reference (I understand relationships could be fractured due to the bullying you mention)
  1. Have you tried to call them to discuss? This would be my advice, to clarify why they need what they need as only a work reference can account for a period of time - nothing else makes sense?
  1. Do all your dates match up? For example your final date with last employment to the gap dates? As A referee could have stated different ones so more clarity or proof is required

I work for a large company, and managers are not allowed to do references of any sort. The NHS could “insist” all it likes but it’s not going to happen.

IkBenDeMol · 08/03/2023 17:50

This is absolutely RIDICULOUS. Does nobody in the Trust's HR department have any common sense whatsoever?

HaveTheDayOff · 08/03/2023 17:55

Is the anyone you know with a work email address that could do it? Even a friend working in an office admin role should be able to provide it.

Or do you visit a local business regularly who could do it for you? I find it’s easier to write the letter myself so all they have to do is copy it and send it by email.

ShipOfTheseus · 08/03/2023 18:00

HaveTheDayOff · 08/03/2023 17:55

Is the anyone you know with a work email address that could do it? Even a friend working in an office admin role should be able to provide it.

Or do you visit a local business regularly who could do it for you? I find it’s easier to write the letter myself so all they have to do is copy it and send it by email.

No, because you’re generally not allowed to send personal emails from work email addresses.

HaveTheDayOff · 08/03/2023 18:08

ShipOfTheseus · 08/03/2023 18:00

No, because you’re generally not allowed to send personal emails from work email addresses.

Show quote history

This isn’t personal. You’re providing a reference as a business professional.

MeganTheeScallion · 08/03/2023 18:12

Do you have children? As PP said, ask nursery/school mums if so. I know you don't have a social circle but, if you have kids, you could send a light message to the class/nursery WhatsApp group if there is one asking for a favour? I'm a "professional" and would be happy to help another parent if I could, even if it's just stating the fact I've seen you on the school run for the time period in question and you've always been respectable, responsible etc as far as I could tell?

Els1e · 08/03/2023 18:13

My sister had this problem. They wanted a reference for a 6 week period she was unemployed, not claimed benefits and was caring for a friend who had an accident. She eventually got round it by contacting the person who had originally interviewed and appointed her. The NHS recruitment system is appalling. No wonder they have problems getting staff.

ShipOfTheseus · 08/03/2023 18:21

HaveTheDayOff · 08/03/2023 18:08

This isn’t personal. You’re providing a reference as a business professional.

Show quote history

No, you’re not allowed to use work email for non-work purposes.

ShipOfTheseus · 08/03/2023 18:23

MeganTheeScallion · 08/03/2023 18:12

Do you have children? As PP said, ask nursery/school mums if so. I know you don't have a social circle but, if you have kids, you could send a light message to the class/nursery WhatsApp group if there is one asking for a favour? I'm a "professional" and would be happy to help another parent if I could, even if it's just stating the fact I've seen you on the school run for the time period in question and you've always been respectable, responsible etc as far as I could tell?

She doesn’t. She lives with her parents.

Original poster
Alice558 · 08/03/2023 18:56

Thank you everyone,

I have contacted HR previously 3 times by phone, but when i ask to speak to the lady i am emailing or anyone else i seem to get fobbed off and i get told she's working from home and they will pass a message on, and the loop just starts again! It has been honestly so frustrating. Its like faceless people who I cant talk to!

Also, I am childless and I do have one person I volunteered with, but because he doesn't have a professional email they said they cant accept it! I dont know why they cant just leave it blank...

Its hard because i have no friends and my parents are really my only family, we are on our own, but I will find a way around it somehow i am thinking am i best talking to the lady who hired me and explaining to her as opposed to HR that might be better....I honestly thought this wouldnt be a problem its so strict!

OP posts:
LookingOldTheseDays · 08/03/2023 19:03

ShipOfTheseus · 08/03/2023 17:46

I suppose, but they don’t prove anything to do with her character, or that she wasn’t out of the country or in jail or living the life as a drug dealer/grower.

Show quote history

DBS check is used to pick up convictions, so no additional proof is needed re: jail time.

And a 'reference' from someone who barely knows her isn't going to prove any of those things either!

ShipOfTheseus · 08/03/2023 19:13

Alice558 · 08/03/2023 18:56

Thank you everyone,

I have contacted HR previously 3 times by phone, but when i ask to speak to the lady i am emailing or anyone else i seem to get fobbed off and i get told she's working from home and they will pass a message on, and the loop just starts again! It has been honestly so frustrating. Its like faceless people who I cant talk to!

Also, I am childless and I do have one person I volunteered with, but because he doesn't have a professional email they said they cant accept it! I dont know why they cant just leave it blank...

Its hard because i have no friends and my parents are really my only family, we are on our own, but I will find a way around it somehow i am thinking am i best talking to the lady who hired me and explaining to her as opposed to HR that might be better....I honestly thought this wouldnt be a problem its so strict!

Contact the person who interviewed you and explain.

MeganTheeScallion · 08/03/2023 19:17

@ShipOfTheseus I was only checking as people who live with their parents can have children too.

ShipOfTheseus · 08/03/2023 19:20

MeganTheeScallion · 08/03/2023 19:17

@ShipOfTheseus I was only checking as people who live with their parents can have children too.

Well, yes, I know. But the OP never mentioned any child, so it seemed very unlikely.

Zola1 · 08/03/2023 19:21

I did a personal reference for my best friends first job in the NHS, basically just filled in a form to say she's great and I don't have any worries about her etc. I am a professional but don't remember anything about needing to prove it etc

kirinm · 08/03/2023 19:22

Gingernaut · 08/03/2023 16:39

I was in the fortunate position to leave as I had savings, enough where i could not sign on the dole.

Even if you're not eligible for benefits, you 'sign on' as a Jobseeker for just such an occasion.

It wouldn't even occur to me to sign on if I had the finances not to work.

Original poster
Alice558 · 08/03/2023 19:26

Apparently you can't sign on if you have over £6000, you will receive nothing from dole x

OP posts:
ShipOfTheseus · 08/03/2023 20:02

Zola1 · 08/03/2023 19:21

I did a personal reference for my best friends first job in the NHS, basically just filled in a form to say she's great and I don't have any worries about her etc. I am a professional but don't remember anything about needing to prove it etc

You won’t need to prove it, though. They’ll be able to look you up to check.

ShipOfTheseus · 08/03/2023 20:06

The whole system of ineffectual and incompetent bureaucracy makes me so angry. The sheer waste of money, time, resources, people’s effort and mental energy. Seriously, go to your MP and complain.

whatthebejesus · 08/03/2023 20:14

Tell them you can't supply a reference as you took time out for caring responsibilities.

Janicce · 08/03/2023 20:19

I had similar in the public sector - I took time out for caring responsibilities. Ended up asking a friend for a reference - they didn’t take it up though

slithytoveisascientist · 08/03/2023 21:05

I have my own company, complete with domain specific email address 😂 if you want a reference I'll send one x

RethinkingLife · 08/03/2023 21:12

Alice558 · 08/03/2023 19:26

Apparently you can't sign on if you have over £6000, you will receive nothing from dole x

Some people sign on the the NI contribution even tho' they don't qualify for a payment beyond what their previous NI brings to them (is it for the first 6 months?) and then lose any entitlement because they have a partner with an income.

dangermousesfriend · 08/03/2023 21:38

It's not true that you can't sign on when you have savings. You're entitled to contributions-related JSA. My DH claimed last year and we have well over any means tested limits.
Plus is it's always wise to sign on even if you can't get any money as it ensures your NI stamp is paid.

Onnabugeisha · 08/03/2023 22:12

Alice558 · 08/03/2023 19:26

Apparently you can't sign on if you have over £6000, you will receive nothing from dole x

Yes you can sign on for new style JSA.

*Your savings and capital (or your partner’s savings, capital and income) are not taken into account when claiming New Style JSA. However, your earnings and any payment you’re getting from a pension can affect the amount you may receive.

While you receive New Style JSA you’ll be awarded Class 1 National Insurance credits, which can help towards your State Pension and other contributory benefits in the future. It is a regular fortnightly payment.*

www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-jobseekers-allowance#why-should-i-claim-new-style-jsa