I’ve been offered a job that is conditional on the usual pre-employment checks, including references and a health questionnaire.
My current employer has a policy of not completing reference pro formas, so they declined to fill in the new employer’s form. They have, however, confirmed my employment dates, role, attendance record and that I have no disciplinary issues. My manager also provided a positive personal reference recommending me for the role.
I did have one prolonged period of absence around a year ago due to very difficult/exceptional family circumstances involving my young child. Other than this, my attendance has been very good. I was completely transparent about the absence on the health questionnaire from the outset.
The new employer hasn’t issued my contract yet and has contacted my current employer to ask why they wouldn’t complete their reference form. It seems to be taking quite a while to get everything finalised.
I’m now really worrying that they might be having second thoughts about employing me. I really want the job and had a very positive experience with the team during recruitment.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? Does this sound like fairly normal pre-employment checking when an employer won’t complete the requested reference form, or would you be concerned that the offer might be at risk?