Information given out by present employer to future employer?

Question

If I remember right isn't it against the law to give out personal information to a future employer by your present employer? The only questions that can be asked is
What date you were hired
Would you rehire them
and Were they terminated?

Am I right in this?

Answer 1

Careful. I've seen a great many employers who will tell others you were fired, when in fact you resigned. Or they'll lie about your title, rate of pay, or almost anything else.

When leaving a job, always leave them smiling. Make sure they'd want you back if you returned. Otherwise they will very probably screw you.

Answer 2

No, your are not correct. Legally they can give out any information that they want to. Most employers will limit their potential liability for lawsuits by only confirming the dates or your employment and maybe your job title. Some won't even say if you would be re-hired. That's an individual company choice, not founded in any law.

From the standpoint of defending against a lawsuit, if the information is true they would have little to fear. I know of at least one company that provides copies of the former employee's performance appraisals and lets the new employer judge for themselves.

Answer 3

I have heard that if the former employer gives out information that causes the new employer not to hire you than you have the right to sue.

Answer 4

sure, this is right. they are in a position to truly purely ask the straight forward questions like those you listed. in the event that they ask the different questions, this is appeared at as an invasion of privateness and is a punishable offense (fines).

Answer 5

yep. sure are.