Job references - can you be given a bad one?

Question

I heard something years ago about companies not being allowed to give bad employment references - can anyone confirm this?

The reason I ask is that I'm currently temping whilst waiting for something permenent to come along and in my last assignment the agency I was with got pissed off as they claimed I left a week early without giving any notice, when infact I had actually left on the agreed date. Also, I've just registered with another agency for a temp job coming up soon (only a 5 month contract in data entry), would they bother seeking references for such a short contract?

Anyone in the know, cheers.

Answer 1

you may not get a bad reference... but then again you may not get a glowing recommendation! the problem is that when you give a reference people can read between the lines and look for what you DON'T say about the person. Often there are very specific questions which the company asks you to give information on - for example if it is a position where you might have to be trusted with cash handling. The other thing to consider is that references are not always written - some employers will ring up to try to get a verbal reference over the phone. There will be no written record of that conversation if your old boss says you were hopeless.

What most people do is give details of referees from places they have had a good working experience, who have agreed to act as referee. That way you have a bit more control.

If you really can't avoid the recent employer giving you a reference, I would also advise the new agency about the missunderstanding and that you fear that might mean they don't give as positive a reference as you deserve.... and then suggest an alternative reference you know will be better!

Good luck

Answer 2

While it is not illegal to give a bad job reference, more larger companies are being careful about what they say about former employees. When I check references, all I ask is whether the person worked at XYZ Company and whether the former employer would re-hire the candidate should he or she re-apply for a job there. That tells me all I need to know, and I've never had anyone decline to answer the questions.

Answer 3

if it is a large company the reference will not be personal and will jst inform your new employee how your attendance was and your standard of work. you can have a bad reference if you never turnd up for work or left before giving your notice. if it is a smaller business they will normaly write a longer more detailed refernce that is more personal. any new contract should be folowed by a reference but in large companies they do not bother because they employ so many new people everyday. i wouldnt panic too much and possibly get a reference from a smaller business where you have worked well.

Answer 4

This is a popular misconception. Yes, an employer can give an honest reference, both good and bad. What would be the point of doing a reference if the new employer wasn’t going to get an honest reply?

Most employers may not go into a lot of details, but one question that is always asked is: “would you re-hire this employee?” The answer to this question says it all, and there is no liability to either employer.

Answer 5

As far as I am aware your duty as an employer is to give an honest appraisal of an employee. Ordinarily references do not come in "open" format but are a set list of questions for the employer to tick with comments made at the bottom. My advice is to make any future employer aware of the misunderstanding described in this question. Good luck!!

Answer 6

You cannot give a 'bad' reference to a prospective employer because it would be a personal opinion and possible a slur on your character.
They can only answer the questions asked on the form, i.e. attendance, development, ability, re-employ etc.
If you have ever had a disciplinary they ARE allowed to disclose the reason for the disciplinary but not the outcome........so if you did something which would constitute gross mis-conduct and it lead to your dismissal, if you were to have resigned before you were dismissed, they cannot disclose that information.
Hope this helps a little.

Answer 7

They cant give you a bad reference as such, but they can refuse to give you a reference which amounts to the same thing.

Answer 8

Yes of course people can give bad references otherwise what would be the whole point of refrences!
As for your temping i woulnt worry about references, they are more concerned with making money out of you and the employers.

Answer 9

Companies are not allowed to give bad references. My boss told me that last week when i got offered another job. So I dont think they're allowed to say bad things about you. nothing to worry about!

Answer 10

they can give bad or good. They don't have to supply a reference at all but if they do, it has to be factual and accurate. They are not allowed to make anything up.