Struggling for references.

[Cheekyfuckerseverywhere]

I was self employed. Dh died, need to get a job employed as I gave up my SE to care for him.

I can ask the places I used to work for for references but since I left a fair few have had managers retire/leave (care homes so high staff turnover) and one I had to take to small claims so I imagine they don't think much of me anymore.

I have high flying inlaws who would give me a personal reference. Would that be ok with employers? my tax return records show I submit a self employed return every year so I can prove I have been working all these years.

I had this problem when I wanted to work after 20 years staying at home.

Luckily I was still in touch with an old boss so he kindly supplied one. Then I used two personal references - my running coach, and someone with a high band job in the NHS (it was an NHS job), but they wouldn’t use this one as she is a relative through marriage! - your in laws might not be acceptable. I then asked a neighbour who is in a high up banking position.

Is there anyone from your working past who would supply just a short one? Acknowledge the dates you worked there and that you were reliable.

What about a character reference?
This can be a person in a professional role that knows you for at least 5 years (I think it is)

I don't know if you can do this but what about feedback you had off your clients/customers?

Most of my clients had dementia or are very unwell. By this time a fair few will have passed as well.

Genuinely wracking my brains to think who I can ask.

I work in recruitment and when someone has been SE we accept HMRC/accountants records as a reference.

Just don’t put any

Thank you that’s a big relief!